On average, 2% of pregnant women in metropolitan France have preeclampsia.
In Martinique, it is necessary to count the triple.
Risk factors, such as obesity or diabetes, very present on the island, encourage the appearance of this pregnancy disease which endangers the mother and the fetus.
However, these factors coupled with the toxic fumes of decomposing Sargassum algae precipitate the onset of preeclampsia.
This is proven by a study conducted on 3,020 pregnant women between 2016 and 2020.
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It has been observed that women working or living within 2 km of areas affected by Sargassum strandings are victims of early preeclampsia.
“We already have very little feedback and research on the consequences of hydrogen sulphide fumes on our bodies.
This study allows us to know a little more and this represents real progress,” explains Dr. Rémi Névière, anesthesiologist at the Martinique University Hospital.
Relocate people at risk
According to the conclusions of this study, one of the solutions would be for pregnant women to avoid as much as possible the areas invaded by its brown algae.
In this case, they should be offered alternative accommodation.
On the side of the Regional Health Agency, the collection of algae before their decomposition is seen as the best solution.
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A Sargasse 2 plan was presented by the government last March.
36 million euros have been committed in particular to strengthen the means of communities for research and to equip themselves with equipment to collect stranded sargassum in less than 48 hours, the time before they decompose.
