New study reveals high levels of “eternal” pollutants in water in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region: 160,050 residents at risk

The Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency has just published a study this Monday. It follows nearly 450 samples taken in the 7 departments of the Region, between July 2022 and December 31, 2023. In this report, the ARS targeted 6 hydraulic stations which would have too large a quantity of “eternal” pollutants in their water, compared to the requirements of the European Union. This would expose 160,050 residents to health risks.

Numbering 4,000, PFAS are found in many everyday products: components for food packaging made of paper and cardboard, insulation for electronic cables, household products, etc. PFAS degrade little, which explains their “eternal” nature. “. “The entire population is exposed to PFAS“, according to the Regional Health Agency. However, a regulatory threshold has been set by the European Union: 0.1 microgram (µg) / liter, for the sum of 20 selected PFAS.

Beyond this threshold, potential health effects have been detected, such as a reduction in the immune response to vaccination or an increase in the risk of kidney cancer.

Our neighbors in Ardèche, Rhône and Drôme are affected. Some of their stations must regulate their situations. The Loire is spared for the moment, but the compliance of the two Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf wells is still to be confirmed (Champacot and Carreto wells).

2024-01-15 17:11:45
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