The initial results of the Kannari 2 study reveal an overall decrease in chlordecone body burden among the Caribbean population between 2013 and 2024, suggesting a possible reduction in exposure. However, exposure persists at a widespread level and remains marked by significant disparities. While average exposure levels are lower than those measured in Kannari 1, the study shows that 5% of adults have exposure levels 20 times higher than the average. Men aged 50 and older who live in contaminated geographic areas and work in the fishing or agricultural sectors are the most heavily exposed.

These findings help improve our understanding so that we can continue and strengthen measures to prevent exposure to chlordecone and other pollutants in the Caribbean, along with appropriate supporting measures.

Chlordecone detected in more than 8 out of 10 people in the French West Indies: a slight improvement observed compared to 2013, but levels that remain high

Despite this overall decrease, the results confirm persistent chlordecone exposure among adults in both territories, marked by pronounced disparities: 

1. Chlordecone exposure levels are slightly lower in Guadeloupe than in Martinique. 
   • In Guadeloupe, 81.3% of the adult population has detectable levels of chlordecone in their blood. In Martinique, 85.5% of the population is affected.
2. The proportion of the population exceeding the Internal Toxicological Reference Value is slightly higher in Martinique than in Guadeloupe.
   • In Guadeloupe, 14.3% of the adult population exceeds the Internal Toxicological Reference Value (VTRi = 0.4 µg/L). This applies to 18.7% of the population in Martinique. The VTRi defined by ANSES is used to determine the thresholds above which the risk of adverse health effects in the population cannot be ruled out, thereby identifying the population groups and geographic areas where action must be intensified. 
3. Exposure levels are higher among adults living in areas contaminated with chlordecone, confirming the influence of the immediate environment on exposure.
   • In both Guadeloupe and Martinique, people living in contaminated land or marine areas have average body burden levels 2 to 3 times higher than those living in uncontaminated areas. 
   • In Guadeloupe, people living in Basse-Terre have average body burden levels twice as high as those living in Grande-Terre.
4. Chlordecone body burden increases with age in both territories.
   • In both Guadeloupe and Martinique, average exposure levels increase with age, with a notable difference between those under 50 and those 50 and older. This finding could be explained in part by continuous exposure to this pollutant throughout life. 

Focus on specific target populations: fishermen, agricultural workers, and women of childbearing age

To provide further insight, Santé publique France is publishing, for the first time, results specific to certain population groups that are particularly at risk or vulnerable. 

• In Guadeloupe and Martinique, fishermen and farmers have the highest levels of chlordecone exposure. 
• Women of childbearing age (18 to 49 years old) have low or even undetectable levels of chlordecone exposure, although 10% of women in Martinique and nearly 6% in Guadeloupe still exceed the internal Toxicological Reference Value. 

The low participation of children in this study resulted in a small sample size, making it impossible to generalize the results to all children living in Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Diet: What Are the Sources of Exposure?

The study’s results confirm that chlordecone exposure is primarily associated with the consumption of fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. However, no association was observed with the consumption of other foods such as root vegetables, tap water, or eggs among adults.

The analyses also show that purchasing food through informal (and therefore unregulated) channels is associated with increased exposure.

New results expected in 2027

These results will soon be supplemented by further analyses, which will aim to: 

• Describe the population’s exposure to other pollutants (heavy metals, other pesticides);
• Identify, in greater detail, factors associated with these exposures (diet, occupational activities, etc.) for chlordecone and other pollutants, thereby providing a more precise picture of exposure to environmental pollutants in the French West Indies; 
• Analyze the population’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding reducing exposure to chlordecone, in relation to prevention messages and social inequalities.

These additional results are expected in the first half of 2027.