In addition to the epidemiological investigation commissioned by Santé publique France, the Regional Health Agency and the DREAL are conducting their own investigations to “clear up any doubts” regarding certain environmental exposures and, if necessary, take protective measures. In anticipation of the start of the school year, priority was given to the Notre-Dame de Lourdes school in Ste Pazanne. This school, attended by several children with cancer, is located near the former industrial site.

Over the summer, a large-scale monitoring campaign was thus carried out: nearly 150 samples and measurements were taken by several operators, under the direction of the DREAL and the ARS, with support from the IRSN, Santé publique France, ANSES, and ADEME. The investigations focused on water (drinking and groundwater), indoor and outdoor air, soil, and electromagnetic fields (radio frequencies and low frequencies).
Following analysis by the ARS, the DREAL, and the relevant national agencies, these measurements reveal no proven health consequences for the children and staff of the school, based on reference values and current scientific knowledge.

Furthermore, at this stage, the investigations demonstrate that the former Leduc site has no health impact on the school.

Nevertheless, vigilance is warranted regarding indoor air quality, particularly regarding radon. Elevated radon concentrations have indeed been detected in part of the school. These results must be interpreted with caution because the radon measurement campaign was brief (3 weeks versus the regulatory requirement of 2 months) and conducted in unoccupied premises during the summer (and thus poorly ventilated). New radon measurements will therefore need to be conducted during the winter for a period of 2 months. In the meantime, the ARS and the IRSN have asked the school administration to take immediate measures to ensure proper air exchange and to reduce exposure to radon and, more generally, to indoor air pollutants: implementation of best practices for classroom ventilation, conducting an assessment of the ventilation system and, if necessary, bringing it into compliance, and measuring indoor air quality.

Finally, the IRSN reiterated that while radon is a proven risk factor for lung cancer in adults, no link to any other cancer risk—in either adults or children—has been scientifically established.

All these findings were presented and discussed at the monitoring committee meeting on August 29. All reports received by the ARS and the DREAL will be shared with the members of the Monitoring Committee, who have been invited to a meeting on Thursday, September 5, during which experts from the various agencies will be available to answer their questions. An informational meeting will also be held very soon at Notre-Dame de Lourdes School for parents and staff.

Beyond radon, this initial measurement campaign will be repeated this winter at the Notre-Dame de Lourdes School, focusing on the following areas: indoor/outdoor air quality, groundwater, and electromagnetic fields. Finally, other environmental investigations are underway at the homes of children with cancer and at several industrial sites located within the study area.

Santé publique France is continuing this work

As part of the epidemiological study aimed at identifying a common local source of exposure, the agency has been meeting with the affected families since early July. These interviews, conducted using a detailed questionnaire, focus on the environment and lifestyle habits of the children and their parents. They are expected to be analyzed as soon as the interviews are completed.

In addition, the agency has conducted more than twenty interviews as part of a so-called local context study to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, concerns, and questions of the various stakeholders.

The initial results of these studies will be presented at the next monitoring committee meeting on October 10, 2019.