The September 2019 Industrial Fire in Rouen. Presentation of the “Post-Fire Health 76” Study Program and Initial Findings

Following the fire at the Lubrizol and NL Logistique warehouses on September 26, 2019, in Rouen, Santé publique France launched a comprehensive epidemiological assessment of the incident’s health impacts, whether they occurred at the time of the accident or emerged several months or years later. This program includes several studies examining all health effects, including mental health. The first surveillance study, conducted immediately after the fire and over the course of one month, showed that visits to emergency care were few and driven primarily by minor, irritative symptoms (respiratory and ENT: cough, breathing difficulties, irritation and sore throat, nasal tingling, etc.), digestive issues (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), and headaches; Conducted in 2020 via a questionnaire administered to a representative sample of the exposed population, the health and quality of life survey “A Study Listening to Your Health” revealed that 66% of people in the exposed area reported at least one health issue they attributed to the fire. These issues rarely led to seeking medical care. They mainly consisted of psychological symptoms (stress, anxiety, etc.), ENT issues, general symptoms, eye problems, respiratory issues, and sleep disorders. The negative impact of the fire on residents’ overall health, particularly mental health, was still measurable one year later. These results confirmed the importance of providing tailored support to people living near the site of the incident, as well as to those who are economically disadvantaged, socially isolated, or have a history of mental health issues, in the event of future industrial accidents; Epidemiological surveillance of the population using data from the National Health Data System (SNDS) was established in 2021 and will continue for several years. It will initially focus on indicators of mental, cardiovascular, perinatal, and respiratory health; The Normandy Occupational Health Alert Group (GAST) conducted a review of available information on exposure conditions over the years; The feasibility and relevance of conducting a population biomonitoring study to assess overexposure to various substances emitted by the fire were examined with the support of experts. Conducting such a study was not deemed relevant based on the available environmental data and its feasibility. It would not have provided additional information useful for implementing measures to reduce public exposure beyond those already implemented in the aftermath of the fire.

Author(s): Empereur-Bissonnet Pascal, Perrine Anne-Laure, Pédrono Gaëlle, El Haddad Maria, Zeghnoun Abdelkrim, Richard Jean-Baptiste, Blanchard Myriam, Saoudi Abdessattar, Motreff Yvon, Morel Pauline, Le Lay Emmanuelle, Golliot Franck, Kairo Cécile, Fréry Nadine, Boulanger Guillaume, Fillol Clémence, Cochet Amandine, Atiki Nahida, Marguerite Nadège, Martel Mélanie, Vernay Michel, Vigneron Chloé, Barry Yaya, Delmas Marie-Christine, Olié Valérie, Bonaldi Christophe, Cahour Lisa, Moisan Frédéric

Publishing year: 2024

Pages: 12 p.

Collection: Studies and Surveys

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