Environnement

Page thématique

Environmental health

On a day-to-day basis and throughout our lives, the environment is a major determinant of our health.  Whether it concerns chemical substances, airborne particles or electromagnetic waves, ANSES's expertise constantly provides the latest scientific knowledge on the risk factors for environmental exposure. The Agency assesses the risks of environmental pollution and various new technologies, and also evaluates the chemicals found in everyday products.

News

Perturbateurs endocriniens 13/06/2024
13/06/2024 —
Event

13 juin 2024

Endocrine disruptors: the new research challenges

Public :
Maison de la RATP - Espace du centenaire - 58 Quai de la Rappée - 75012 Paris
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) and the French Research Agency (ANR) are pleased to invite you to their second scientific conference on endocrine disruptors (EDs).
10/04/2024 —
Expert assessment

Triphenyl phosphate, an endocrine disruptor for species in the environment

Triphenyl phosphate is a substance used as a flame retardant and/or plasticiser in a wide variety of materials and equipment. In view of its endocrine-disrupting properties for species in the environment, which have been determined mainly in fish, the Agency is proposing to identify triphenyl phosphate as a substance of very high concern, within the meaning of the European REACH Regulation. The aim is to better regulate the use of this chemical on the European continent. This ANSES proposal is available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) until 15 April, to give stakeholders the opportunity to provide additional data.
classification de la diphénylguanidine
05/04/2024 —
News

Strengthening the classification of diphenylguanidine used to manufacture rubber

La diphénylguanidine est une substance utilisée principalement dans la fabrication du caoutchouc. Suite à son évaluation, l’Anses propose de renforcer sa classification au niveau européen pour mieux protéger la santé humaine contre les troubles neurologiques et les atteintes à la fertilité et au développement en particulier. Cette proposition de classification dans le cadre du règlement CLP (classification, étiquetage et emballage) est en consultation publique depuis le 18 mars sur le site de l’agence européenne des produits chimiques (ECHA), afin que toutes les parties prenantes puissent commenter ou apporter les informations complémentaires dont elles disposent sur cette substance.
Mouche orientale des fruits : renforcer la surveillance pour éviter son établissement en France
28/03/2024 —
Expert assessment

Stepping up surveillance of the oriental fruit fly to prevent it from becoming established in France

Bactrocera dorsalis , commonly known as the oriental fruit fly, is one of the most destructive pests for many fruit and vegetable production sectors. In its opinion, ANSES considers that the likelihood of its long-term establishment in mainland France is not negligible. To be able to detect any outbreak of infestation as quickly as possible, ANSES recommends stepping up the surveillance of crops and imported goods in Mediterranean areas near ports and airports, beyond what is provided for in the current regulations.
27/03/2024 —
Inside ANSES

The fundamental principles underlying ANSES’s vigilance schemes

ANSES coordinates seven vigilance schemes aimed at identifying adverse effects caused by several types of products and foods. What are the fundamental principles underpinning this mission at the Agency? What do the new vigilance schemes for cosmetics and tattoos involve? What is the outlook for these schemes? Juliette Bloch, Director of Health Alerts and Vigilance, answers our questions.
Eau
25/03/2024 —
Research

Approval of water analysis laboratories: a joint ANSES/OFB portal

On 25 March 2024, ANSES and the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB) inaugurated a joint portal to provide access to both of their information systems dedicated to applications for the approval of water analysis laboratories. The OFB handles environmental approvals and ANSES handles water quality monitoring approvals.
Proposition de classification des dangers de deux diphénylamines
15/03/2024 —
News

Proposed hazard classification for two diphenylamines

ANSES is proposing a harmonised classification under the European CLP Regulation for two diphenylamines: BNPA and Benzenamine, N-phenyl-, reaction products with 2,4,4-trimethylpentene. Used in industrial settings as well as by professionals and private individuals, these substances are found in lubricants, greases, cutting fluids, hydraulic fluids and plastics. These diphenylamines are toxic to aquatic organisms and can damage human fertility and development. The public consultation, which opened on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on 4 March 2024, enables all interested parties to comment on these two classification proposals and provide any additional information they may have on these substances.
Moustique Tigre
25/04/2024 —
Event

On 25 April 2024

Addressing the current challenges posed by mosquito vectors

Public :
Espace Van Gogh - 58 quai de la Rapée - 75012 Paris
With outbreaks of dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika in the French overseas territories and a growing number of cases reported in metropolitan France, mosquito vectors of pathogens have become a major public health challenge for all of France.
tique Ioxides
22/02/2024 —
News

The first summary of French data on Ixodes ricinus ticks

ANSES financed and participated in a study reviewing the state of knowledge on the biology and ecology of Ixodes ricinus ticks and the pathogens they are capable of transmitting. By analysing data spanning a period of more than 60 years, this work provided an overview of current knowledge and highlighted the need to conduct further investigations and harmonise the surveillance methods used, to improve the control and prevention of this pathogen vector.
Salon de l'agriculture 2024
08/02/2024 —
News

ANSES at the 2024 Paris Agricultural Show!

The combined effects of climate disruption and human activities have created disturbances in the Earth’s ecosystems that are impacting the health of living organisms. Allergenic plants, mosquitoes and ticks have been spreading across France, affecting human and animal health. In forests, gardens and crops, plant pests and other harmful organisms are acclimatising rapidly. This year on the ANSES stand, we invite you to come take a closer look at these invasive species, so you can recognise them and protect yourself. Our programme for this year includes observation of living organisms, games and discussions with our scientists. And in a nod to this year's Olympic Games, ANSES will also provide an opportunity to learn while moving your body.
Des chenilles processionnaires du chêne
09/01/2024 —
Expert assessment

Assessing the risk of exposure to stinging caterpillars to protect ourselves

The geographical range of pine and oak processionary caterpillars in France has been changing in recent years as a result of climate change. Their presence, along with that of other stinging caterpillars, poses a risk to human and animal health. ANSES has assessed the risk of population exposure by municipality in mainland France and Corsica, in order to adapt the prevention and control measures to be applied in the field.
Nouvelles expertises de l’Anses sur les SDHI dans les produits phytopharmaceutiques
05/12/2023 —
Expert assessment

New ANSES expert appraisals on SDHIs in plant protection products

ANSES is publishing two opinions on the safety of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs). These active substances are used in plant protection products to combat fungi that are harmful to crops. After reviewing all the available data, the Agency recommends adjusting certain toxicity reference values intended to protect human health. These conclusions will be presented at European level. ANSES has also assessed the risks to consumers associated with residues of various SDHIs in food. It does not highlight any health concerns arising from the cumulative ingestion of residues in food in light of the adjusted toxicity values.

Decryption

PFAS
04/04/2024

PFASs: very persistent chemicals

Over the years, these properties of persistence, mobility and accumulation in living organisms have led to the human population being increasingly exposed to PFASs. According to EFSA (2020) , seafood, eggs and meat are the foods that contribute most to PFOS and PFOA exposure. Drinking water can also be a source of exposure, as can indoor and outdoor air, dust and contaminated soil. Occupational exposure to PFASs can occur in a number of industrial sectors, including the chemical industry, textile processing and electronics manufacturing, as well as from their use in fire-fighting. The highest blood contamination levels are found among workers at PFAS manufacturing sites (ECHA, 2023).
pipette
25/03/2024

Toxicity reference values (TRVs)

As part of its missions and under the French National Environmental & Health Action Plan (2004-2008), the Agency began a national programme on TRVs in 2004 with the aim of building solid French expertise that could be shared by the various competent authorities in this area.
pipette
22/03/2024

Reference values

The chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis and those used in our occupational activities can potentially be harmful to health. ANSES develops various reference values that are of use firstly, for assessing health risks and secondly, to enable the public authorities to establish regulatory concentrations of chemicals that should not be exceeded in order to protect our health.
Chenilles processionnaires
23/02/2024

Beware of stinging hairs from processionary caterpillars!

In forests or gardens, on the ground or on tree branches, certain caterpillars may be seen following each other in single file. These "processionary" caterpillars are insects with stinging hairs. The inflammatory reactions they can cause in humans and animals are sometimes serious.
Ambroisie
22/02/2024

Ragweed, an invasive plant that is problematic for both health and agriculture

Ragweed is native to North America but has spread to Europe in particular over the last few decades. Its pollen causes allergies, with between 1 and 3.5 million people believed to be affected in France. What is ragweed? Where is it found in France? What are its effects on agriculture? Are there ways of keeping it from spreading? Here is our update on the situation.
cadmium
04/12/2023

What is cadmium, and how can we reduce our exposure to it?

Cadmium is a toxic metal that is ubiquitous in the environment and can contaminate soil, water, and air. We are exposed to it via food and drinking water. For several years now, ANSES has been issuing recommendations to limit our exposure to this substance.
Punaise de lit
05/10/2023

Bed bugs in 13 questions

Bed bug infestations have increased in recent years, due to the rise in travel and the growing resistance of these bugs to insecticides. Does the presence of bed bugs reflect a lack of hygiene? Where can you pick them up? How can you get rid of them? We answer all your questions in this article.
Eau Développement durable
17/07/2023

Reuse of non-potable water: what are the health risks and possible solutions?

With water resources becoming increasingly scarce, there is growing interest in reusing wastewater and rainwater for irrigating crops, watering green spaces, washing floors and cars, or flushing toilets. However, this water may contain various pathogenic micro-organisms and potentially toxic organic or inorganic chemicals. Here are some explanations.
Feu de forêt
12/07/2023

What are the effects of forest fires on population health?

With droughts and heat waves on the increase, fires are becoming more and more frequent in France. Fires produce gases and particulate emissions that impact population health, particularly for firefighters, who are the most exposed group. This article explains why.
Homme Animaux
29/03/2023

One Health for living beings and ecosystems

One Health aims to promote a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to health issues. Where did this approach come from and what does it involve? How does ANSES apply it when carrying out its activities? Find out in our article.
Pesticides
15/03/2023

Pesticides in tap water

As they disperse in the environment after application, the active substances in pesticides can degrade into one or more other compounds called "metabolites". Some of these substances then end up in drinking water. In order to guarantee consumer health, ANSES provides the Directorate General for Health with scientific benchmarks that are invaluable for monitoring tap water quality. To do this, the Agency uses a method for identifying those pesticide metabolites whose presence in drinking water warrants priority attention.
Amiante
07/02/2023

Asbestos: still a very topical problem

Asbestos was used on a massive scale for more than a century in various sectors including construction and public works, because of its specific properties and low extraction cost. Classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1977, its use in France has been prohibited since 1997. However, many materials containing asbestos are still currently in place, constituting sources of exposure for workers and the general population.

Publications

— Document PDF

ANSES REVISED OPINION on the risks to human health associated with the proliferation of Ostreopsis spp. on the Basque coast

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Water
Date de mise en ligne
05/09/2023
Numéro de saisine
2021-SA-0212
— Document PDF

ANSES OPINION on the development of a toxicity reference value (TRV) for palytoxin (CAS No 77734-91-9)

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Health reference values
Date de mise en ligne
21/08/2023
Numéro de saisine
2021-SA-0212
— Document PDF

ANSES Opinion and Report relating to the formal request on "Definition of nanomaterials: analysis, challenges and controversies

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Assessment of the risks related to physical agents and new technologies
Date de mise en ligne
17/05/2023
Numéro de saisine
2018-SA-0168
— Document PDF

ANSES OPINION and REPORT on the report entitled "Integration of the exposome in ANSES's activities"

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Non-committee opinion
Date de mise en ligne
07/03/2024
Numéro de saisine
2022-METH-0197
— Document PDF

ANSES STS NOTE on the analysis of the article by Fouyet et al. (2022) put forward by economic actors to reject a classification rule proposed by the European Commission

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Chemicals covered by the REACh and CLP Regulations
Date de mise en ligne
20/02/2023
Numéro de saisine
2022-AST-0135