These data also supplemented the information gathered through the health and quality-of-life survey conducted one year after the fire. The results show no difference in trends regarding the prescription or initiation of treatment with psychotropic medications after September 26, 2019, between the area exposed to the fire and non-exposed areas, or according to the type of exposure reported. This research represents a new phase in the ongoing “Post-Fire Health 76” initiative, which aims to assess the health consequences of the industrial accident that occurred in Rouen in September 2019.

A supplementary analysis of the reported impact of the accident on mental health

In 2020, as part of the health and quality of life survey, "A Study Listening to Your Health," a supplementary questionnaire on mental health revealed, one year after the fire, impaired mental health (post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, and depression) among the population living in the exposed area. Following this research, Santé publique France implemented epidemiological surveillance of the health of the population living in the area using healthcare reimbursement data from the SNDS and conducted a supplementary analysis of data from the health and quality of life survey cross-referenced with SNDS data. The objectives of this study were to describe the temporal trends in psychotropic drug prescriptions within the area exposed to the fire and to compare these trends with a period prior to the fire and with those of one or two unexposed areas. The supplementary analysis of the survey allowed for comparisons based on the type of exposure and the type of symptoms reported in the health survey.

The surveillance study period covers a timeframe ranging from three years prior to the fire through January 2022.

Prescriptions for psychotropic drugs have not increased

Although the results of the health and quality of life survey had shown a decline in the mental health of the population living in the area exposed to the wildfire, this does not appear to have resulted in a significant increase in the prescription of psychotropic medications after September 26, 2019, between the area exposed to the wildfire and non-exposed areas.

The management of this type of mental health disorder relies on psychological and psychiatric care, supplemented in some cases by treatment with psychotropic medications. The objective was therefore to identify potential indicators of an increase in the prescription of psychotropic treatments in areas exposed to the fire.

The follow-up survey was able to account for other factors (questionnaire responses, reported exposures, individual factors such as age and gender, for example) and analyze the surrounding area more precisely. The results showed no difference between the period before and after the fire, including among people living nearby (among both respondents and non-respondents), and regardless of exposure or symptoms experienced (among respondents only).

A comprehensive framework to describe the health status of all exposed individuals

“Post-Fire Health 76” comprises a series of epidemiological studies to assess the health impact of this industrial accident on workers and the general population. Among the general population, in addition to short-term monitoring during the first month, the Agency conducted in 2020 “A Study Listening to Your Health,” which surveyed residents on their health, information, and awareness of recommendations, as well as on quality of life among people living in the study area potentially exposed to the fire.

A complementary component of this study aimed to assess, among exposed residents, the impact of the fire on their mental health (post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, and depression).

Since May 2023, Santé publique France has also been conducting an epidemiological follow-up on workers’ health based on data from the National Health Data System (SNDS). The list of affected workers is currently being compiled. This monitoring follows up on work already conducted by the Normandy Occupational Health Alert Group and will enable the identification, in the medium and long term, of any specific health events occurring in this population.

The SPI76 program also includes the monitoring, over several years, of health indicators for the general population, such as the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, mental health indicators, certain cancers, and pregnancy outcomes. This epidemiological surveillance covers the 350,000 residents of the 119 municipalities in the study area and is conducted using data available in the SNDS.