Anticipate allergies with Atmo France's new pollen index

The Atmo France Pollen Index is a combination of statistical data, pollen records, weather forecasts and information from the Copernicus platform (European program for monitoring oceans, territories and atmospheric composition) which provides a three-day forecast based on Artificial Intelligence and covers the entire territory at the municipal level. These data are essential information for people with allergies and for health care practitioners.

What pollen is listed in the pollen index?

Pollen grains are involved in the reproduction of some plants and are carried by the wind. Pollens are made up of several proteins, some of which are allergens. Normally tolerated, these taxa (pollens) can cause allergies in some people when they come into contact with the lining of the lungs and/or eyes.

So far, the pollen index focuses on six very specific pollen species:

• ragweed;
• alder;
• sagebrush;
• birch;
• grasses;
• and the olive tree.

Other species will be integrated as they are taken into account in atmospheric modeling, such as hazelnut and cypress.

How does the pollen index work?

The chosen thresholds for pollen measurement data allow to generate a map for the next 3 days for all of France, including Corsica. This allows people with allergies to anticipate the most critical periods.

The pollen concentration level is expressed in pictograms: ‘very low’ (blue) to ‘extremely high’ (purple). A peak pollen is triggered when the pollen index is at the “high” level. You can view the map in real time on Atmo France website.

Some precautions to take

Here are some general recommendations to adapt as the case may be with your doctor. The goal is to decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms in order to have a calmer spring:

• Respect his treatment (do not modify it or stop it without medical advice).
• Change after a walk to avoid bringing pollen into your home.
• Rinse your hair in the evening because the pollen settles there in large numbers.
• Avoid outdoor activities that lead to overexposure to pollens (grass cutting, garden maintenance, sports activities, etc.); if necessary, favor the end of the day and wearing protective glasses and masks.
• Prefer opening the windows before sunrise and after sunset because pollen is released into the air as soon as the sun rises.
• Avoid exposure to other indoor irritants or allergens (tobacco, household products, indoor perfumes, incense, etc.).
• Avoid drying laundry outside as pollen settles on wet cloth.