Paris: Belzunce School Permanently Closed Following Mercury Contamination
Paris, June 9, 2026 – Belzunce school in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, which has been closed since November 2024 due to mercury contamination, will not reopen its doors. This definitive closure was announced on Monday evening by the Mayor of the 10th arrondissement, Alexandra Cordebard (PS), during a public meeting with parents.
The decision comes after months of uncertainty following the discovery of mercury pollution in the school, which previously accommodated 140 students. The announcement was made to parents in the presence of representatives from Dasco (Department of School Affairs), the Rectorate, and the ARS (Regional Health Agency).
A Long-Awaited Decision
Initially, the school was closed for a few weeks, then for several months, as authorities assessed the extent of the contamination and explored potential solutions. However, the latest update confirms that the school building is deemed unsuitable for a safe return of students and staff.
“The news is not good,” stated Mayor Cordebard at the outset of the meeting, acknowledging the difficult situation for the affected families and students. The permanent closure signifies a significant disruption for the local community, particularly for the 140 students who will now need to be relocated to other educational institutions.
Impact on Students and Parents
The mercury contamination, which occurred in November 2024, led to the immediate closure of the school to ensure the safety of the children and staff. The prolonged closure and subsequent permanent decision have caused considerable distress among parents and students. The Mayor noted that “the children are devastated” by the news.
The school, located in the 10th arrondissement, has been a central part of the community, and its closure will necessitate re-organisation for many families. Details regarding the re-assignment of students to other schools and the support mechanisms available to them are expected to be communicated by the educational authorities in the coming days.
Investigation into the Contamination
While the immediate focus is on the welfare of the students, investigations into the source and extent of the mercury contamination have been ongoing since its discovery in November 2024. The presence of mercury poses serious health risks, and the decision to permanently close the school underscores the severity of the situation.
The involvement of the ARS (Regional Health Agency) indicates a thorough assessment of the health implications and the necessary steps to mitigate any further risks. The long-term plans for the contaminated site, including remediation efforts, are yet to be fully disclosed.
Community Response and Future Steps
The public meeting served as a platform for parents to express their concerns and seek answers regarding the future of their children’s education. The presence of multiple official bodies aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation and the measures being taken.
The permanent closure of Belzunce school highlights the critical importance of environmental safety in educational facilities and the challenges faced by urban areas in managing such incidents. The Parisian authorities will now focus on ensuring a smooth transition for the affected students and addressing the broader implications of the contamination for the community.
Further updates on student re-assignments and the remediation of the Belzunce school site are anticipated as the relevant authorities continue to manage this complex situation.
Source: https://www.leparisien.fr/paris-75/les-enfants-sont-aneantis-polluee-au-mercure-lecole-belzunce-a-paris-va-fermer-definitivement-09-06-2026-ABRS6MJEOFGIJH4OZIXUL7XEUA.php
