Toulouse. Meeting between the ARS and the residents of the Fondeyre site, polluted with lead
The public meeting on lead pollution from the former STCM foundry, avenue de la Fondeyre, resulted in lively exchanges between ARS Occitanie and the residents concerned.
The atmosphere was electric. A public meeting concerning the lead pollution caused by the former STCM foundry was held this Thursday evening in the Maison de la Citoyenneté des Minimes in Toulouse, in the presence of the Regional Department for the Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL), as well as the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS).
Using a video projection system, ARS Occitanie agents present the various actions required as part of their lead exposure management plan around the STCM. But quickly, Thierry Cardouat, director of ARS Haute-Garonne and his colleagues, are overwhelmed by the apostrophes of the inhabitants, and in particular the testimonies of those who have already borne the brunt of the consequences of lead pollution.
“I am chronically ill, my two daughters are also! I can no longer breathe, I have major neurological disorders, I have been asking the ARS for help for years, no one has done anything “- launches a mother – I am amazed to see that there are so few people present this evening. We are not informed! It proves that people are unaware that their land is polluted.”
All local residents agree in pointing out the lack of information about lead pollution and the health surveillance set up by the ARS at the beginning of October. This meeting, where only about forty people responded represented (out of 12,000 people concerned by health surveillance) could testify to this. “Information relays are more or less easy. We have made posters. Letters have been sent”, justifies Thierry Cardouat, director of ARS Haute-Garonne. Hands go up in numbers. Several people exclaim that they have not received any mail.
Questions also related to the effectiveness of screening for lead poisoning by blood test. “That’s not enough! The blood test will not decelerate all of the infected people. Lead does not remain in the blood!” retorts a young woman.
Given the many questions from local residents, the possibility of a new public meeting has been raised. To be continued…