"6 families of organic pollutants studied"

Environmental pollutants, such as bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides, dioxins, flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds, are endocrine disruptors¹ and, in some cases, known or suspected carcinogens. These pollutants, known as "organic pollutants," are the focus of the first volume of the study: Exposure of Pregnant Women to Environmental Pollutants in 2011 – Perinatal Component of the National Biomonitoring Program Implemented Within the ELFE Cohort. Volume 1: Organic Pollutants

"First national study among pregnant women"

Exposure to these pollutants during pregnancy could have repercussions on the health of the child and the mother. That is why Santé publique France conducted a study among 4,145 pregnant women who gave birth in 2011 in mainland France (excluding Corsica) and were included in the Elfe cohort. This study provides indicators to help public authorities limit pregnant women’s exposure to these substances, measure the effectiveness of implemented measures over time, and fully understand exposure pathways.

For the first time in France, this study describes the exposure of French pregnant women to certain environmental pollutants, particularly organic pollutants, measured using samples collected at the time of delivery (cord blood, urine, hair, serum). It also enables the study of variations in exposure levels by comparing the results with those of previous studies conducted in France and abroad, and identifies the determinants (tobacco, diet, cosmetics, and hygiene products) that have led to certain exposure levels.

The results of this first volume on organic pollutants will be supplemented by a second volume presenting exposure levels to metals and their determinants. An in-depth analysis of the results will be the subject of a third volume, which will provide decision-making support for public health stakeholders, particularly by helping to establish recommendations.

Learn more about the study: Q&A

The National Biomonitoring Program

The National Biomonitoring Program, established as part of the second National Health and Environment Plan (PNSE2), aims to monitor the presence in the body of chemicals originating from our environment or their degradation products. Its implementation has been entrusted to Santé publique France. It consists of two components:

• a perinatal component, conducted among women and their newborns, included in 2011 at the time of delivery in the biological component of the Elfe cohort (French Longitudinal Study from Childhood);

• a cross-sectional study named Esteban (Health Study on the Environment, Biomonitoring, Physical Activity, and Nutrition), conducted among the general population aged 6 to 74.

See also

• Biomonitoring dossier

• Press release

¹ Substances foreign to the body that mimic natural hormones or interfere with the hormonal system.