Temperature-related mortality in France, a comparison between regions with different climates from the perspective of global warming.

This paper aims to explain the results of an observational population study that was carried out between 1991 and 1995 in six regions (departments) in France. The study was to assess the relationship between temperature and mortality in a few areas of France that offer widely varying climatic conditions and lifestyles, to determine their thermal optimum, defined as a 3 degrees C temperature band with the lowest mortality rate in each area, and then to compare the mortality rates from this baseline band with temperatures above and below the baseline. The study period was selected because it did not include extreme cold or hot events such as a heatwave.

Ragweed in France: an invasive plant and its allergenic pollen.

Background: Ragweed is an annual, herbaceous, wind-pollinated plant that is responsible for strong allergies. In France, it is mainly present in the region of Lyon, where it threatens the health of the population.

Objective: To analyze annual, daily, and bihourly pollen concentrations in the air to determine the characteristics of ragweed pollination and in particular its diurnal rhythm.

Two statistical approaches to forecasting the start and duration of the pollen season of Ambrosia in the area of Lyon (France).

The aim of the present study was to forecast the start and duration of the pollen season of Ambrosia from meteorological data, in order to provide early information to allergists and allergic people. We used the airborne pollen data from Lyon (France), sampled using a Hirst trap from 1987 to 1999, and the meteorological data for the same period: air temperature (minimal, maximal, and average), rainfall, relative humidity, sunshine duration and soil temperature. Two forecasting models were used, one summing the temperatures and the other making use of a multiple regression on 10-day or monthly meteorological parameters.