This study is based on a representative subsample of 4,145 pregnant women who gave birth in 2011 in mainland France (excluding Corsica) and were included in the Elfe¹ cohort. 117 biomarkers of exposure to environmental organic pollutants were measured in maternal urine and blood samples collected in maternity wards. These women also completed questionnaires regarding their health data, consumption habits, and lifestyles.

The organic pollutants studied include bisphenol A, found particularly in plastics and food packaging; phthalates, which may be present in PVC-based materials or common cosmetics; pesticides, including those for household use such as lice treatments and weed killers; dioxins, furans, and PCBs, used in industrial processes; flame retardants, which are used in many electrical appliances and textiles; and perfluorinated compounds, which may be present in common household products. These substances may be endocrine disruptors² or known or suspected carcinogens. However, their presence in the mother’s body does not necessarily imply a harmful effect on her health or that of the unborn child.

Organic pollutants were detected in nearly all pregnant women in the study, but at levels generally lower than in previous French and international studies

This first part shows that one or more of the pollutants studied are present in nearly all pregnant women included in the study. However, the measured concentrations are generally lower than those observed in previous French and international studies.

Diet, the main source of exposure

The results of the perinatal component of the national biomonitoring program confirm the known sources of exposure to the measured pollutants: dietary intake, tobacco use, use of hygiene and cosmetic products, domestic use of pesticides, etc. While diet represents the primary source of exposure, other sources are also identified, particularly in indoor and outdoor air.

Find all the results on the Santé publique France website

The National Biomonitoring Program

Established as part of the second National Health and Environment Plan (PNSE2), it aims to monitor the presence in the body of chemicals from our environment or their degradation products. Its implementation was entrusted to Santé publique France, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Energy. It consists of two components:

• a cross-sectional study named Esteban (Health Study on the Environment, Biomonitoring, Physical Activity, and Nutrition), conducted among the general population aged 6 to 74. Data collection from participants began in April 2014;

• a perinatal component, conducted among pregnant women who gave birth in 2011 in mainland France and included in the biological component of the Elfe cohort (French Longitudinal Study from Childhood).

More information:

Santé publique France – Biosurveillance thematic dossier.