Contamination potentielle des aliments par des polychlorobiphényles (PCBs): Connaissance du polluant et évaluation de la perception du risque

Abstract

The different ways of exposure to recalcitrant pollutants, such as PCBs, for humans are contaminated foodstuffs, the breathing of contaminated air in the vicinity of leaking or used electrical transformers, containing or contaminated with PCBs. This could be the case in most of the urban areas in Niger. To verify the level of information and knowledge of the pollutant by the population and to assess the perception of risks related to PCBs; a survey was carried out. The information was collected by the questionnaire method, using a hundred of respondents from the urban population of Maradi. The result showed that only 23% of the population surveyed have the basic knowledge of pollution and exposure to PCBs, while 77% were not aware of this risk. Whereas, in terms of risk perception 31% of those who have this concept were able to establish the link between the transfer of PCBs to human through environment, or via the foods. In conclusion, these results could be used for the implementation of a strategy for the prevention and protection of the population against harmful pollutants.