Mental health impact of a large-scale industrial fire on exposed residents in France: the post fire 76 health survey

Arch Public Health. 2025 May 7;83(1):125. doi: 10.1186/s13690-025-01602-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the mental health consequences of large-scale industrial fires without fatalities but with persistent odors for several months. One such fire occurred in 2019 in Rouen, France. This survey aimed to assess the impact of the fire on the mental health of the exposed population fifteen months later.

METHODS: A random representative stratified sample was selected from the exposed population in Rouen and a non-exposed population in a nearby city. Three probable mental health disorders were assessed with self-administered psychometric scales: PCL-5 for probable post-traumatic stress disorder, GAD-7 for probable generalized anxiety, and PHQ-9 for probable depression. Different types of exposure were self-reported: perceived odors, black smoke, visual or auditory fire perception, soot deposits, or fibrocement roof debris. The prevalence of probable mental health disorders and the associated factors were examined.

RESULTS: A total of 1,968 people participated (overall response rate of 20%). In the exposed area, 6% (5-7%) of people presented probable post-traumatic stress disorder attributable to the fire, 15% (13-17%) probable generalized anxiety, and 18% (16-20%) probable depression. The prevalence of all three was significantly higher in participants living close to the fire. Probable post-traumatic stress disorder and probable generalized anxiety were both associated with auditory perception of the fire or explosions. Probable generalized anxiety was also associated with the duration of exposure to unpleasant odors. Probable depression was associated with the duration of exposure to odors, and the presence of fibrocement roof debris.

CONCLUSION: Even though there were no fatalities and no injured people, the industrial fire had a mental health impact on people living in the exposed area in the medium term. The results of this work were used to implement further adequate medico-psychological care for the exposed population.

PMID:40335996 | DOI:10.1186/s13690-025-01602-7