Free lead and arsenic screening offered in saint-nazaire, France
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The regional health agency (ARS) of Pays-de-la-Loire began offering free lead and arsenic screenings to residents of the Méan-Penhoët neighbourhood in Saint-Nazaire, France, on October 19, running through November 28.
The city of Saint-Nazaire initiated the program after studies revealed high concentrations of lead and arsenic in the area's industrial basin. The screenings will determine if residents have been exposed to the metals.
While soil contamination doesn’t automatically mean exposure, officials want to verify residents’ health through blood tests for lead and urine analysis for arsenic. Health officials prioritised screenings for infants six months to six years old, pregnant women, those planning to become pregnant within six months, people who frequently touch their mouths, and gardeners, because of the serious health risks associated with lead and arsenic exposure.
The World Health Organization links long-term arsenic exposure to cancer, skin lesions, and cardiovascular disease, while the French Ministry of Health notes lead can damage the nervous system, especially in children, and affect kidney function in adults.
