Free screenings for lead and arsenic exposure

Residents of Méan-Penhoët, a neighborhood in Saint-Nazaire, Loire-Atlantique, are being offered free health screenings to check for exposure to lead and arsenic. The initiative is being managed by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Pays-de-la-Loire and runs from Monday, October 19, through November 28.

Soil contamination detected in the area

The city of Saint-Nazaire reported that studies found "high concentrations of lead and arsenic" in the industrial basin of the city. Measurements taken in the summer of 2026 showed that 58% of the private plots analyzed exceeded the management threshold for lead, and 24% for arsenic.

Not all soil contamination leads to exposure

The presence of these metals in the soil does not necessarily mean that residents are exposed to them. To ensure safety, the city and the ARS have decided to make the screening free and accessible to the public.

Screening process and priority groups

The screening involves a blood test for lead and a urine analysis for arsenic. Priority is given to children from six months to six years, pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy within six months, adults who often put their hands in their mouths, and gardeners.

Health risks of lead and arsenic exposure

Exposure to lead and arsenic can have serious health effects. At high doses, lead can damage the nervous system, especially in children, and affect kidney function in adults, according to the Ministry of Health.

Arsenic exposure linked to serious illnesses

Prolonged exposure to arsenic can cause cancer and skin lesions, according to the World Health Organization. There is also a known link between arsenic exposure and cardiovascular diseases.