Kannari 2: more than 3,000 participants, including 700 children aged 6 and older, selected at random

The objectives of the Kannari 2 study are:

• to measure changes in the population’s exposure levels to chlordecone, 10 years after the first Kannari study;

• to assess exposure to a selection of other compounds (pesticides and heavy metals), some of which are being studied for the first time, such as glyphosate, pyrethroid metabolites, and several heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury);

• to identify the factors associated with high exposure levels in the population;

• to study exposure among more vulnerable populations (children and women of childbearing age) and those with higher exposure (agricultural workers, fishermen, residents of contaminated areas);

• to assess awareness of and adherence to dietary recommendations aimed at reducing exposure to chlordecone.

A three-phase study for participants

The Kannari 2 study will take place from January to July across all municipalities in mainland Guadeloupe and Martinique. Those selected at random will be notified by mail. They will then be visited at their homes for:

• a detailed presentation of the study by a researcher and the collection of their consent to participate;

• a clinical examination by a nurse and the collection of biological samples (urine and blood);

• completing a questionnaire about their lifestyle, diet, and work and leisure activities.

This study relies on the voluntary participation of those selected by lottery. An information system, including a hotline (toll-free number 0 800 945 901, free from a landline or mobile phone) and a dedicated website (www.kannari2.fr), has been set up to answer questions.
Videos featuring experts, posters, brochures, and a comic book are also available to the public and to stakeholders committed to limiting exposure to chlordecone.

A study conducted in collaboration with numerous partners

The Kannari 2 study was conducted by Santé publique France:

• with support from the Ipsos Institute and the Regional Health Observatories (ORS) of Martinique and Guadeloupe;

• in collaboration with the General Social Security Funds (CGSS) of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin, and the National Institution for Disabled Navy Personnel (ENIM);

• with financial support from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Ministry of the Interior and Overseas Territories, the National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam), the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy, the Prefectures of Guadeloupe and Martinique, and the Departmental Council of Guadeloupe.

Summary of Findings from Kannari (2013–2014)

The results of the exposure component of the 2013–2014 Kannari 1 study showed that more than 9 out of 10 people in the French West Indies had detectable levels of chlordecone in their blood. This corresponds to 14% of the adult population in Guadeloupe and 25% in Martinique who exceed the internal toxicological reference value (VTRi) established by ANSES in 2021. The VTRi is used to determine the thresholds above which the risk of adverse health effects cannot be ruled out, thereby identifying the population groups and geographic areas where action must be intensified.