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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
Since the end of May, 126 children have been victims of poisoning at the Fère-Champenoise primary school in Marne. If food poisoning and carbon monoxide poisoning are now ruled out, recent analyzes show traces of acetylene, a toxic gas in the school. How and why ? Dr. Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, tells us about it.
Dozens of children showed signs of intoxication in the same school in Marne two weeks ago. While new children have been affected since the end of May, bringing the number to 126, new analyzes suggest a mysterious reason.
Causes of poisoning ruled out one by one
Initially mentioned, the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). Same thing for food poisoning, poisoning linked to drinking water from water fountains, or even that linked to possible allergenic plants.
In our last article, Dr Gérald Kierzek put forward the hypothesis of a virus such as gastroenteritis. It’s not the case either.
Acetylene found at the scene
According to TF1, the cause is quite different: the latest analyzes published by the authorities revealed traces of a toxic gas in the school playground, acetylene.
“It is a colorless, odorless but very flammable gas, which can in fact cause dizziness, headaches, itching, or even respiratory arrest in high doses” mentions our emergency doctor.
The traces found in the courtyard would not, however, be sufficient to cause such damage.
The investigation continues
The discovery of the cause is no less strange for our expert. “We don’t really understand why it is present, since it is generally found in welding or industrial cutting workshops… but not in primary schools.” he asks himself. Prevention is also difficult to put in place without knowing the reason for the presence of this gas in such a place.
The investigation must therefore continue to try to clarify the cause of these poisonings. A “epidemiological synthesis” is also underway with the families concerned. The children left school during the investigation. Primary school pupils are accommodated in other establishments, nursery school pupils are kept at home.