Since the devastating fire at the Lubrizol factory in Rouen on September 26, 2019, local residents have voiced ongoing worries. While the government announced compensation for the most affected farmers—particularly dairy producers—starting November 18, individuals feel overlooked. During the blaze, 9,050 tons of chemicals burned, producing a dense cloud of black smoke spanning 22 kilometers that lingered for days. This caused widespread issues, including respiratory irritation and a persistent foul odor.
Over a month later, the smoke has cleared, but fears among Seine-Maritime residents persist, along with reports of odors as late as October 20. According to 20 Minutes, air analysis in Préeaux revealed dioxin levels four times above normal during the fire. Health Minister Agnès Buzyn sought to reassure the public, stating these levels remained "below toxicity thresholds."
Within a 10-kilometer radius of the factory lie protected areas, classified sites, and diverse natural habitats. The Seine River, flowing through Rouen directly to the Atlantic Ocean, heightens risks. As a precaution, food, dairy, and livestock feed were withdrawn from markets, then cleared for reintroduction on October 18 after satisfactory tests. However, damage to wild fauna and flora remains unquantifiable and may never be fully assessed. Years of monitoring will be needed to evaluate long-term effects once all burned chemicals are identified.
Residents question the toxic fumes' health impacts, with dozens in Rouen reporting respiratory issues post-fire.
"Extensive investigations beyond standard ARS health checks for chemicals in tap water have been conducted since September 26. Results show absence or very low concentrations well below health reference values for targeted products." – Source: gouvernement.fr
Despite reassurances from health and government officials, affected residents have formed groups, using platforms like Docditoo to assert their rights.
On October 25, Prime Minister Édouard Philippe visited Rouen to oversee agreements signed by Lubrizol CEO Eric Schnur, committing €50 million for impacted professionals. Traders and farmers express cautious satisfaction, but stress unresolved issues remain.
Since October 26, 2019, three Paris court magistrates from the public health division lead the investigation. Details are limited: around 60 videos analyzed and 100 witnesses interviewed. The Paris prosecutor's office states no elements explain the fire's origin. A complaint against unknown parties (X) has been filed.
On Europe 1 on October 23, 2019, Secretary of State Emmanuelle Wargon addressed the cleanup starting October 22: "Operations proceed with utmost care using specialized transport and processing units." Lasting at least two months, it offers little comfort to nearby residents or agri-food stakeholders. She added, "Current results are reassuring; medium- and long-term assessments are premature."
No major announcements accompanied this, though a health survey from March 2020 will cover populations under the smoke plume across 215 municipalities. No immediate blood tests are planned.
Seeking greater transparency, over 500 people gathered outside Rouen's courthouse on October 26, per police estimates.
A month on, neither government nor Lubrizol provides clear future insights. Only time and further analyses will reveal the full aftermath. On November 14, the state announced farmer compensation beginning this month.
