“I regret that there are no young people present in the room. Personally, I am very worried about the future of my descendants”. Nicole always wanted to know “what she had under her feet”. So this Wednesday, November 13, she went to Aigurande, where the Regional Health Agency (ARS), in partnership with the municipality and the CAP Tronçais association hosted an awareness meeting on the risks posed by radon . A radioactive gas very present in the south of Indre (see map) and which, after tobacco, is the second cause of lung cancer in France.
Communication considered insufficient by some
For an hour, around thirty people were able to benefit from professional advice to better understand the phenomenon. If some have discovered everything about this invisible and little-known enemy, others, like Nicole, confide on the contrary to having “nothing learned” during this meeting.
However, the one who currently lives in Saint-Denis-de-Jouhet, a town classified in “zone 3” – the highest level of risk –, highlights the educational virtues of an intervention « important »although too brief. “It wasn’t long enough, people still have lots of questions…” she sighs.
In the audience, Philippe, who also lives in Saint-Denis-de-Jouhet, is of the same opinion. These debates are essential, but have not received, to his liking, sufficient promotion. “Even if I don't blame anyone, I regret that there is not more communication on this subject. This is a problem that concerns everyone. » After collecting his dosimeter, a device for measuring the concentration of radon in the home and made available free of charge by the ARS, he puts things into perspective. “I am neither more reassured nor more worried than before. We must also take a step back and not be alarmed”.
“We are not released into the wild”
The tone of Catherine, a resident of La Buxerette, is also more nuanced. “When we bought our house in 2021, the notary warned us that we were concerned about high radon potential. He told us that it was enough to ventilate, which seems logical! I have the risk in mind, but I don't have any fixations on it. There are so many ways to get cancer…” And to underline the good support of the ARS Centre-Val de Loire on this public health issue. “In this area as in many others, I find that the Region is doing a lot. This evening's meeting was well presented and constructive. We are not released into the wild”.
People interested in requesting a dosimeter and participating in the prevention campaign have until December 5 to apply. Information at 04.70.09.00.23 or by email at [email protected]
Next awareness meeting Friday November 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at La Châtre (room 2, Cour Jenny-de-Vasson).
