Characterization of population groups at high risk of exposure to chlordecone through the diet. Martinique, August 2006

Chlordecone is an organochlorine insecticide that was widely used in the Caribbean on banana plantations for about twenty years. It was banned in 1993, but since 1999, studies have repeatedly detected its presence in soil and sediments, plant products, and meat and fish. This raised the question of the Martinique population’s exposure through food and the identification of population groups at risk of exposure to chlordecone. Food consumption data from the ESCAL survey and food contamination data from various administrative control programs enabled the French Food Safety Agency (AFSSA) to calculate, under various assumptions, the exposure level of 1,495 individuals included in the ESCAL survey. A person at risk of exposure was defined as someone whose calculated exposure exceeds the chronic toxicological reference value (TRV). Individuals for whom the calculated exposure exceeds the TRV are all located in the contaminated area, where they account for 21% of children and 16% of adults. Individuals at risk do not differ by sex or age. Within the contaminated area, the proportion of individuals at risk differs significantly according to socioeconomic status. Analysis of the population’s exposure risk profile shows that vegetable consumption (root vegetables and others) is significantly higher in the group at risk of exposure. This group primarily sources vegetables—and also chicken—through short supply chains. Consumption frequency is also significantly higher in this group, while the quantity consumed is equivalent to that of the rest of the population. A population at high risk of exposure to chlordecone through the diet has been identified. Given its sourcing patterns, this population cannot be protected by regulatory measures such as maximum limits. Based on these results, the Martinique Department of Health and Social Development will therefore develop a specific health program targeting the affected populations.

Author(s): Flamand C, Quenel P, Blateau A

Publishing year: 2007

Pages: 31 p.

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