Pollen counts on rise as spring breaks

Allergy sufferers beware. Twelve departments are currently on red alert for birch pollen, while the rest of the country is also recording pollen increases as Spring brings warmer weather.

The Aveyron, Bas-Rhin, Cher, Eure et Loir, Hérault, Indre, Lozère, Oise, Paris, Seine et Marne, Tarn and Vaucluse are all on red allergy alert, notably for birch pollens, while the allergy risk is reported as moderate or high elsewhere.

Cypress pollen levels along the Mediterranean coast present a "medium to very high" risk to anyone susceptible to allergies, while pollen from plane trees, ash, willow and hornbeams are spreading across the country.

About 20% of children from 9 years of age and 30% of adults are affected by a respiratory allergy, according to the National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (RNSA).