An investigation into pollution linked to petrochemicals is causing a stir

" I have to do what ?

Take my children and leave?

I'm worried.

They are 3, 5 and 8 years old.

The reaction of this mother, in

, gives an idea of ​​the doubt.

What is the impact of pollution linked to the petrochemical industry in Gonfreville-l'Orcher, an industrial suburb of Le Havre (Seine-Maritime)?

The journalists of the program

on France 5, conducted the investigation.

As a result – air quality measurements and supporting samples – children would be exposed, in particular, to worrying levels of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

This town has nine Seveso companies, including the Total refining platform, the largest in France and the country's leading benzene emitter in 2020, according to data from

.

“Benzene levels identical to those of a tunnel in Ile-de-France”

“Near the factory, and also a school, the benzene levels are the same as those found in a tunnel in Ile-de-France, when you are in the open air” , comments the director on

.

Urine analyzes of 23 children aged 4 to 11 in the commune were carried out.

Naphthol-2, a derivative of tar, coal or oil would also have been found in large quantities.

Requested by

, the State services announce "additional checks".

In

TotalEnergies emphasizes that the regular measurements carried out by the Atmo Normandie association are entirely “in accordance with French and European regulations”.

investigation

is due out in September.

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Almost all of the world's population breathe polluted air, according to WHO

Health

Children's questions: "Is it better to drink bottled or tap water?"

asks Jules (9 years old)

• Planet

• Pollution

• Air pollution

• Refinery

• TotalEnergies

• The haven

• Seine Maritime

• Normandy