Kannari Study 2. Exposure to Chlordecone and Other Environmental Pollutants in the West Indies. Preliminary Findings on Chlordecone Exposure
The Kannari 1 study, conducted in 2013, established for the first time the levels of chlordecone exposure among adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique. The Kannari 2 study, conducted in 2024, aims to provide a new estimate of adult exposure 10 years after Kannari 1, including vulnerable groups. The Kannari 2 study provides robust data on chlordecone body burden among adults in Guadeloupe and Martinique, including specific at-risk groups (farmers, fishermen) and vulnerable groups (women of childbearing age). The results indicate that chlordecone exposure remains widespread but is marked by disparities: disparities among groups: Fishermen and farmers have high levels of exposure, while women of childbearing age and younger individuals have low or even undetectable levels of exposure; differences between and within islands: Average exposure appears higher in Martinique and Basse-Terre (Guadeloupe) than in Grande-Terre (Guadeloupe); Impact of location: Contamination levels vary depending on whether the municipality of residence is located in a contaminated or uncontaminated area; Downward trend: An overall decrease in contamination levels compared to Kannari 1 is observed, suggesting a possible reduction in exposure. Initial analyses conducted for both territories confirm that chlordecone contamination is primarily associated with the consumption of the most heavily contaminated fish, as well as the most heavily contaminated shellfish and mollusks, while no significant association was observed with the consumption of root vegetables, tap water, or eggs. Furthermore, the model shows that the consumption of food from informal markets is also associated with this contamination. Furthermore, place of residence appears to be strongly associated with chlordecone exposure, as had already been observed in the Kannari 1 study, suggesting a direct link between the level of environmental contamination and the level of exposure among individuals. A supplementary report will be dedicated to a detailed analysis of the determinants of exposure in the coming weeks. Follow-up work to the Kannari 2 study will focus on two priority areas: further analysis of consumption patterns (the relationship between supply chains and chlordecone exposure) and a study of the population’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in relation to prevention messages and social inequalities; expanding the analyses to include other pollutants (heavy metals, pesticides) and identifying the factors associated (diet, occupational practices) with exposure to these substances, thereby providing a more comprehensive view of exposure to environmental pollutants in the French West Indies.
Author(s): RUELLO Marc, SAOUDI Abdessattar, DEREUMEAUX Clementine, PECHEUX Marie, GORIA Sarah, PAUMIER Adeline, DELAMAIRE Corinne, JEHANNIN Pascal, MARTIAS Cécile, JULIARD Hector, ROSINE Jacques, CORNELY Vanessa
Publishing year: 2026
Pages: 15 p.
Collection: An Update on
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