Two epidemiological studies will be launched to assess the state of health of residents living near the Lacq petrochemical and gas industrial zone.
The state of health of the inhabitants of the industrial basin of Lacq (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) will be scrutinized. The Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes Regional Health Agency (ARS) announced on Friday the launch of two epidemiological studies to assess the health risks associated with oil and gas emissions.
This work will be based on the health data of 20,000 people, 8,000 of whom work in the industrial zone. Health professionals, elected officials and associations in the region will also be interviewed. These studies “will help to illuminate and guide the actions to be considered at the local level”, indicates the ARS in a press release.
A follow-up commission for the Lacq site will also be set up soon at the request of the Prefect. “As such, the methodological protocols, monitoring and results of these studies will be presented. The installation meeting of this commission is scheduled for the beginning of the fall,” explains the ARS, adding that the results of these studies will be unveiled by the end of 2017.
14% excess mortality
For the inhabitants and the environmental association Sepanso, this announcement has the taste of victory since it responds to the request of local residents and the Court of Auditors. The Elders of rue Cambon had indeed asked last January the Ministers of Health, Ecology and Industry the continuation of scientific work begun in 2002. Based on data collected between 1968 and 1998, they concluded that “excess mortality of 14% in the area close to the industrial facilities in people under 65”, in particular by cancer.
At the time, the Institute of Public Health, Epidemiology and Development (ISPED) explained that it could not identify a cause and effect link, and recommended that additional work be carried out. Until today, nothing had been done.
An immobility also denounced by the Primary Health Insurance Fund of Pau. In a letter sent to the ARS, the members of the CPAM called for “the carrying out of an epidemiological study complementary to that carried out by the Institute of Public Health”, adding that they preferred that it be carried out by “recognized and independent experts”.
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