2024-11-07 22:54:00
This mercury was present in the establishment. There were no injuries.
Published on 07/11/2024 23:54
Reading time: 1min A Paris firefighter. Illustrative image. (HAJERA MOHAMMAD / FRANCE BLEU PARIS / RADIO FRANCE)
Thursday, November 7, 230 people, including many children, were evacuated at midday from a Parisian school, located in the 10th arrondissement, the Radio France agency learned from firefighters. The cause was an accidental spill of mercury on the ground. This mercury was present in the establishment. There were no injuries.
Around 12:30 p.m., firefighters went to the Belzunce comprehensive school (nursery and primary school) located on rue de Belzunce in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. In all, 230 people (students and supervisors) were taken care of and evacuated to the nearby Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church.
On site, the firefighters – who did not speak of poisoning – put in place precautionary measures and a security perimeter. An airlock was also set up to check whether people had been in contact with the product. A private company was subsequently contacted by the town hall and the rectorate for additional checks. The students were finally able to return home.
In all, 50 firefighters were mobilized. The police also went to the scene. The intervention lasted several hours.
1731022410
#Paris #people #including #children #evacuated #school #10th #arrondissement #accidental #mercury #spill
**Interviewer:** Good evening, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent findings on heavy metal contamination in France. With us is Dr. Claire Duval, an environmental health expert. Dr. Duval, can you give us an overview of the study indicating that the entire French population is contaminated with heavy metals?
**Dr. Duval:** Thank you for having me. The study highlighted alarming levels of heavy metals, specifically lead and mercury, present in the food supply and the environment across France. It suggests that these contaminants have infiltrated our ecosystems, likely due to industrial activities and agricultural practices over decades. This widespread contamination poses serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
**Interviewer:** What are the primary sources of these heavy metals that the population is being exposed to?
**Dr. Duval:** The primary sources include agricultural runoff, which can carry heavy metals from fertilizers and pesticides, as well as contamination from industrial pollution. Additionally, seafood and certain crops have been shown to accumulate these toxins, making them particularly concerning for public health.
**Interviewer:** Are there any specific health risks associated with heavy metal exposure that people should be aware of?
**Dr. Duval:** Yes, exposure to heavy metals can lead to a range of health issues, including neurological damage, developmental disorders in children, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Long-term exposure can also contribute to cardiovascular problems and impaired cognitive functions.
**Interviewer:** In light of these findings, what steps can be taken to reduce heavy metal exposure in the population?
**Dr. Duval:** It is crucial for regulatory bodies to enhance monitoring and reduce emissions from industrial sources. Public awareness campaigns about food safety and the importance of local sourcing can also help. On an individual level, consumers are encouraged to wash produce thoroughly and to stay informed about the origins of their food.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Duval, for shedding light on this critical issue. What should the next steps be for both the government and the public moving forward?
**Dr. Duval:** The government needs to prioritize a robust response to mitigate pollution sources and promote cleaner agricultural practices. For the public, staying engaged and advocating for transparency in food safety and environmental policies is essential. Together, we can work towards a safer, healthier future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you again for your insights, Dr. Duval. This is a pressing issue, and we appreciate your time.
