First snapshot of exposure levels in the general population

As part of the Grenelle Environment Forum, a biomonitoring program based on the Esteban survey was established to address the concerns of the French public and measure the presence of environmental pollutants in the human body.

The study was conducted on a representative sample of the general population consisting of 1,104 children and 2,503 adults. This study includes biological samples (urine, serum, and hair) and the administration of a questionnaire on lifestyle habits, dietary intake, and participant characteristics. Cross-analysis of the results from the samples and questionnaires makes it possible to quantify the presence of these pollutants in the population and better understand the sources of exposure.

The results regarding everyday pollutants published today constitute the first part of this major biomonitoring study conducted by Santé publique France. They will be followed by two other parts on metals and pesticides.

Pollutants detected across the entire population

Bisphenols (A, F, and S), phthalates, parabens, glycol ethers, flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds are, in some cases, confirmed or suspected endocrine disruptors or carcinogens. Santé publique France chose to measure these substances present in our environment.

The main findings show that:

• These pollutants are present in the bodies of all adults and children.

• The measured exposure levels are comparable to those in other studies conducted abroad, particularly in the United States and Canada, with the exception of brominated flame retardants, bisphenols S and F, and parabens.

• Higher levels of exposure are found in children. Several hypotheses from the literature could explain these levels: more frequent skin and “hand-to-mouth” contact with everyday products (toys, paints, etc.); higher exposure levels linked, for example, to increased exposure to household dust or a lower body weight relative to their dietary intake, compared to adults.

Different sources of exposure depending on the substance

The exposure routes are consistent with those documented in other studies and with current knowledge. The results show in particular that:

• Diet does not appear to be the sole source of exposure to these substances.

• The use of cosmetics and personal care products increases the levels of paraben and glycol ether exposure.

• The frequency of home ventilation influences body burden levels of perfluorinated compounds and brominated flame retardants: the more a home is ventilated, the lower the body burden levels.

Reference values for improved monitoring of the French population and regulatory purposes

This study will establish, for the first time, reference values for exposure in the general population.

Repeating these studies is necessary to track changes in population exposure over time and to help assess the impact of public policies aimed at reducing exposure.