These results from the general population provide the first-ever description of children’s exposure to five families of pesticides, as well as exposure to new substances—including glyphosate—among adults. This component of the Esteban study establishes exposure reference values and enables an assessment of the impact of regulations on these substances. While overall exposure in the population is declining, certain substances—even those banned today—still lead to significant exposure.

Exposure levels are relatively low and similar to those measured in Europe

These substances are present in numerous environmental and food sources. Among those measured, some:

• are banned or restricted, such as organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, PCBs, and dioxins and furans.

• had already been measured in the past, either in the National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) in 2006–2007 (certain organochlorine pesticides and chlorophenols, dialkyl phosphates (metabolites of organophosphates), and pyrethroids) or in previous studies conducted by Santé publique France¹ and ANSES² (PCBs/dioxins/furans).

For the first time, Santé publique France was able to describe exposure to five families of pesticides measured in urine among children and exposure to certain specific organochlorines, specific organophosphates, carbamates, and herbicides among adults living in metropolitan France in 2014–2016.

The main findings of the study show that:

• The measured levels are decreasing compared to the ENNS (National Nutrition and Health Survey) conducted in 2006–2007 among adults, except for the metabolite of deltamethrin (Br2CA);

• The levels measured in France are similar to those found in most other countries (Europe and North America), except for β-HCH, the organophosphate metabolite (DMTP), and Br2CA, for which the concentrations measured in France are higher;

• Exposure levels vary depending on the substance: adults are exposed in particular to certain organochlorines, the organophosphate metabolite (DMTP), pyrethroids, and PCBs, dioxins, and furans. Children are exposed to DMTP and pyrethroids;

• Exposure to certain substances that are now banned affects a significant portion of the population (for example, lindane is detected in nearly 50% of the adult and child populations);

• Glyphosate is detected in less than 20% of adults or children;

Various exposure factors

This study made it possible to quantify these chemicals in each individual’s body but also to identify the factors that influence the levels of contamination measured in the population. The results show a diversity of identified factors.

For certain substances, diet increases exposure:

• for organochlorines, PCBs/dioxins/furans in people who consume eggs or fats;

• pyrethroids, PCBs/dioxins/furans in consumers of beef or self-produced animal products;

Conversely, consumption of organic agricultural products reduced exposure to organochlorines, DMTP (an organophosphate metabolite), and pyrethroids.

We also observe the impact of certain behaviors and environmental factors on pyrethroid concentrations, which increase with:

• Tobacco use;

• The use of household insecticides, specifically those used on pets, against mites, and against flying insects.

"Overall, we are seeing a decline in exposure levels to pesticides and other measured substances. The levels are comparable to those found in Europe. To reduce certain concentrations, our results suggest adopting a varied diet that includes organic products. But also adhering to the instructions for using household insecticides and regularly ventilating indoor spaces." Clémence Fillol, Head of the Exposure Monitoring Unit at Santé publique France.

Reference values for better monitoring of the French population and regulatory compliance

The results have enabled the establishment of exposure reference values for organochlorines, organophosphate metabolites, glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), pyrethroids, and PCBs/dioxins/furans based on the method published by Santé publique France. These reference values make it possible to determine whether a specific population is more exposed to a given substance at a given time than the general population.

The results demonstrate the impact of regulations on regulated substances such as organochlorines, organophosphates, and PCBs/dioxins/furans, some of which have been banned in France for several decades. Indeed, body burden levels are decreasing among adults living in metropolitan France in 2014–2016 compared to previous studies.

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

"As part of our environmental health program, we are conducting numerous studies to expand our knowledge and provide the tools for public policy makers to take action when necessary. On the issue of pesticides, the results presented today are unprecedented: they make it possible for the first time to objectively assess exposure to a number of pesticides (particularly herbicides) among adults and children; and to evaluate trends in contamination levels for molecules now banned, such as organochlorine pesticides or certain persistent organic pollutants. The complementary nature of this research will provide a better understanding of the population’s actual exposure to pesticides." Sébastien Denys, Director of Occupational and Environmental Health at Santé publique France.