Ragweed, a new European biological air and soii pollutant: a call to the European Community for help to prevention of ragweed allergenic disease, a necessity of improving the quality of life of a wide

摘要

Common ragweed (Ambrosia arlemisiifolia) is an annual plant, probably originating from North America. It was first recorded in Europe in botanical writings in the mid-1800s. The weed has begun spreading through Europe only recently, and since the 1960s in France around Lyon. In France, common ragweed is invasive; other species of Ambrosia are rare and not considered as problematic. Large quantities of highly allergenic pollen are produced by the plant, causing severe hayfever symptoms in both humansand animals (e.g. dogs). Pollen counts and monitoring of the distribution of the weed (the latter using satellite technology) are currently performed, in a bid to study the ecology of the weed and extent of polluted areas. Control measures and appropriate regulations are considered of importance to overcome the problems posed by common ragweed and ragweed pollinosis.