Volunteers and professionals who participated in cleanup operations at sites contaminated by the oil spill and in the treatment of affected birds were exposed to various chemicals contained in the fuel oil spilled along the Atlantic coast. The characteristics of this fuel oil indicate, in particular, the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene and derivatives) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (including PAHs), which are known for their short- and long-term toxicity. Questions have therefore arisen regarding the risks faced by individuals exposed to such substances, primarily through direct skin and eye contact. Exposure via inhalation is more limited due to the prior off-gassing of the most volatile components at sea. The assessment of health impacts can be approached from two perspectives, considering both short-term and long-term risks. The short-term effects described by toxicological studies are primarily general disorders of the autonomic nervous system, such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, etc., following exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and benzene in particular. Respiratory system damage, digestive disorders (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), and skin and eye irritation are observed following exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Regarding long-term effects, exposure to benzene—a pollutant recognized as a definite human carcinogen—leads to the development of acute myeloid leukemia. PAHs, when present as mixtures (coal tar, tars, creosote, etc.), are classified as known human carcinogens. Some PAHs, when considered individually, are "probable" or "possible" human carcinogens. Exposure to PAHs is associated with the development of skin cancers (primarily scrotal cancers) and lung cancers following massive occupational exposure. Skin cancers are mainly basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. Animal studies have shown impaired reproductive function in both sexes, as well as teratogenic and fetotoxic effects. Furthermore, indirect effects of cleanup operations may be observed among responders, such as trauma (injuries, falls), skin irritation from cleaning products, or psychological effects due to anxiety-inducing situations (handling of birds, extent of damage, successive pollution events, etc.). Preliminary risk assessments, conducted before the oil reached the coast, led health authorities to implement, on the one hand, preventive measures by disseminating safety guidelines to personnel involved in cleanup operations and, on the other hand, a descriptive study of short-term health issues to supplement and adapt, if necessary, the preventive guidelines. This descriptive study was commissioned to the InVS and CIRE Ouest by the Directorate General of Health (letter dated January 19, 2000, presented in the appendix). The local health departments (DDASS) along the coast published and widely distributed safety guidelines for people working at the sites as early as late December. However, there is no evidence to confirm that these guidelines were followed by all personnel, at least at the start of the cleanup work. An assessment of long-term health risks was requested from the National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS) as well as from the Dutch agency Riijksinstituut Voor Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiene (RIVM). The InVS issued an opinion on these assessments and, based on the conclusions of the analysis, examined the relevance of health monitoring for exposed individuals. This document presents a summary of the work carried out by the InVS to study the health consequences of the fuel oil spilled by the ERIKA on the French coast and its recommendations regarding public health. (Context)