Views of general practitioners on indoor environmental health risks in the perinatal period

Background: Home is generally perceived as a safety place, whereas the concentration of pollutants, influenced not only by external pollution but also by human activities, the presence of domestic animals, construction and furniture materials, are sometimes greater than outside. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the general practitioners' (GPs) views on indoor environmental health risks in the perinatal period. Methods: Four semi-structured focus group with 31 GPs were conducted in two French departments in November 2009, February, March, and April 2010. The focus group meetings were analyzed using a general thematic analysis. Results: Perinatal care is a special health issue and a time of privileged sensitization. The attitude of health risks are well known in the case of "traditionally" toxic substances. In the case of "emerging" environmental exposure, these attitudes depend on the knowledge, beliefs, and experience specific to each practitioner. GPs are acquiring a new role in the field of environmental health, while at the same time coming to grips with its own strengths and limitations. The implementation of prevention depends on factors, which are not only specific to the practitioner but also related to the parents and the organization of the medical practice. Conclusion: The sensitization of GPs to environmental medicine, promotion of ecocitizen education, development of research, and the distribution of information are some of the means which need to be implemented to prevent harmful exposure of the infant.