Exposure of the French Population to Environmental Chemicals: ENNS Study 2006–2007

The National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) made it possible, for the first time in France, to measure the exposure of the population living in metropolitan France in 2006–2007 by analyzing 42 biomarkers (11 metals, 6 polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], and three chemical families of pesticides: organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids). These chemicals or their metabolites were measured in blood, urine, or hair samples collected from a representative sample of the population. The results indicate that the French population has generally low levels of exposure to heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides, consistent with levels observed in other countries. Blood lead levels have dropped significantly over the past 10 years (by approximately 60%). Mercury levels were lower than those in Spain but higher than those in Germany and the United States, likely due to differences in fish consumption in these countries. Regarding PCBs and other pesticides (paradichlorobenzene and pyrethroids), French levels were notably higher than those observed in the United States and Germany. However, for PCBs, the average serum concentration had decreased by a factor of three over 20 years, and only a small proportion of the population exceeded health thresholds. The specific French factors—whether related to diet or the use of the products in question—warrant further investigation.

Author(s): Frery N, Fillol C, Garnier R, Falq G, Bidondo ML, Guldner L, Zeghnoun A

Publishing year: 2017

Pages: 441-82

In relation to

Our latest news

news

2026 “Sexual Behavior” Survey (ERAS) for men who have sex with men

news

Hervé Maisonneuve has been appointed scientific integrity officer for a...

Visuel illustratif

news

Public Health France 2026 Barometer: Launch of the Survey