The Revela13 Observatory confirms that no excess cancers have been detected in the Fos-sur-Mer area. Public Health France, however, plans to extend surveillance to other pathologies and industrial areas.
The Revela13 Observatory confirms that no excess cancers have been detected in the Fos-sur-Mer area. Public Health France, however, plans to extend surveillance to other pathologies and industrial areas.
Launched in 2012 to respond to the concerns of local residents regarding a potential increase in cancers in the industrial zone of Fos-sur-Mer – Étang de Berre, the Revela13 Observatory recently presented its final results.
After ten years of epidemiological studies covering the period 2013-2018, the verdict is in: no significant excess in bladder cancer, kidney cancer and acute leukemia compared to the rest of the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
Marseille scrutinized
If Fos-sur-Mer remains in respite, the study reveals an excess of bladder cancers in certain municipalities in the south-east of the department and in Marseille. Two major factors are involved: heavy smoking (responsible for 65% of male cases and 30% female cases) and exposure to air pollution, a carcinogenic factor recognized by the WHO.
An ecological study planned for 2025 will cross-reference these epidemiological data with air pollution readings in Bouches-du-Rhône to refine the analysis.
Towards reinforced surveillance of industrial basins
Public Health France intends to extend the effort with an ambitious national system centered on industrial basins, including those of Fos-sur-Mer, Berre-l’Étang, Martigues Lavera, Gardanne and Marseille.
From 2026, this expanded surveillance will make it possible to monitor several health indicators in adults and children living near these areas. The objective is clear: to assess the long-term impact of industrial emissions on the health of local populations.
With the end of Revela13, Public Health France is also committed to national monitoring of cancers and other environmental pathologies: cardiovascular, respiratory, neurodegenerative diseases and even the impacts on pregnancies.
Thanks to the SNDS (National Health Data System), precise indicators can be established at the sub-departmental level. A major step forward to better target risk areas.
Track professional risks
To go further, Public Health France is developing the Sicapro system. This ambitious tool will cross-reference data from cancer registers with professional career information provided by the CNAV (National Old Age Insurance Fund).
His goal? Identify the sectors of activity most exposed to cancer risks and estimate the incidence of pathologies according to professions.
The expected results could finally answer persistent questions, particularly in industrial zones like Fos-sur-Mer, where human activity is closely linked to the industrial fabric.
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