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More than forty associations and individuals have filed a complaint against an Arkema site, south of Lyon. The plant is accused of releasing large quantities of eternal pollutants into the Rhône.
Eternal poisons: THE PFAS. Under these initials, chemical molecules used in non-stick pans, cosmetics, photovoltaic panels. In Pierre-Bénite, south of Lyon (Rhone)two sites have been producing and releasing it into the environment for decades. The contamination could become a health scandal, following an investigation by France 3 Rhône-Alpes. These pollutants are found in the air, soil, drinking water, eggs and even fish.
Five European Union countries call for a ban on PFAS
For this survey, ten volunteers, who live less than a kilometer from the factories, agreed to do blood tests. All were exposed to PFASlike the whole French population. But for two other compounds, they are much more exposed. These are dangerous products, for which no official threshold has been established. “When the cleaver falls, it’s really even scarier. I don’t think I’m going to stay in Pierre-Bénite“, says a woman.
Residents are worried because scientists already know the high risks associated with some PFAS : thyroid diseases, hyper-cholesterolemia and hypertension during pregnancy, liver wear, kidney or testicular cancer. Five countries of the European Union ask the prohibition of PFAS.