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

Coral reefs in the French overseas territories: the impact of chemicals is confirmed
récifs coraliens
18/09/2023

Coral reefs in the French overseas territories: the impact of chemicals is confirmed

The coral reefs are a part of the ecosystems affected by climate disruption. But what do we know about the impact of chemicals on these reefs? With the support of the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), ANSES has looked into the health risks of these substances. Of the hundred or so substances identified as potentially toxic to corals, the Agency was able to carry out a risk assessment for around fifty of them, based mainly on data available from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion Island and Mayotte. These include UV filters, hydrocarbons, pesticides and metals. The report shows that half of the substances assessed may present risks for coral reefs and contribute to their degradation. The Agency warns that, in the absence of available data, this number is very likely to be underestimated.
Beware of burns to children from disinfectants used in schools
Désinfectant dans les écoles
25/08/2023

Beware of burns to children from disinfectants used in schools

Around a hundred accidents were caused by products used to disinfect toilets or furniture in nursery schools over the period 2017-2022. These accidents were mainly due to improper use of disinfectants. Although most of the accidents were not serious, one child required a skin graft..
Lyme disease: an innovative vaccine candidate to make ticks less dangerous
Tiques
24/07/2023

Lyme disease: an innovative vaccine candidate to make ticks less dangerous

Ticks are the leading vector of disease for animals, and rank second for humans. Lyme disease, the best-known tick-borne illness, is caused by a bacterium. Tests have been conducted on an innovative vaccine targeting the tick microbiota, with a view to reducing tick infection by this bacterium. This work was carried out by INRAE in collaboration with ANSES and the Alfort National Veterinary School, and the results were published in the journal Microbiome on 24 July.
Bed bugs are a financial burden and reduce quality of life for many people in France
punaises de lit
19/07/2023

Bed bugs are a financial burden and reduce quality of life for many people in France

Between 2017 and 2022, more than one in 10 French households were infested by bed bugs. Contrary to popular belief, their presence does not indicate a lack of cleanliness, and anyone can fall victim to an infestation in their home. Moreover, bed bugs are a costly nuisance for households in metropolitan France, considering the expense of treatment and the psychological impact. The Agency therefore recommends that certain households be provided with financial assistance to cover the costs associated with exterminating bed bugs. It also recommends that professionals and private individuals favour alternative control methods instead of chemical insecticides.
Zootopique: Season 2 of our podcast now available (in French)
Animaux humains
07/07/2023

Zootopique: Season 2 of our podcast now available (in French)

In 2021 ANSES created Zootopique, the anticipation podcast that looks at the links between human and animal health. Season 2 of Zootopique, available now, reminds us that both now and in the future, animal health is our health too. The flu, global warming, antibiotics and fish are the topics that will be addressed in these four new episodes. Episode 1 is available now (in French).
Preventing cases of Ostreopsis poisoning on the Basque coast
Ostreopsis
23/06/2023

Preventing cases of Ostreopsis poisoning on the Basque coast

Blooms of Ostreopsis microalgae have caused almost 900 cases of poisoning on the Basque coast since 2021. ANSES has recommended a series of measures to protect the populations most at risk, in particular professionals working on or near the beaches.
Possible emergence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in France
tique hyalomma
02/06/2023

Possible emergence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in France

Ticks of the genus Hyalomma, which have been observed in the south of France for several years, could potentially spread throughout metropolitan France as a result of climate change. These ticks can transmit Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), among other diseases. No indigenous cases have been detected in humans in France, but cases are recorded every year in Spain. In its scientific expert appraisal, ANSES confirms the risk of emergence and calls for the nationwide surveillance of these ticks.
ANSES calls for the adoption of a more protective definition for nanomaterials
nanomateriaux
17/05/2023

ANSES calls for the adoption of a more protective definition for nanomaterials

ANSES believes that the European Commission's new Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial, published on 10 June 2022, is too restrictive and could lead to a regression in the protection of public health and the environment. The Agency is therefore urging the French authorities to take a more inclusive definition into account and work towards its integration in the revision of sectoral regulations at European level. With this in mind, the Agency has listed all the criteria needed to define nanoscale objects whose possible health effects warrant assessment.
New-generation Linky smart meters: low levels of exposure to waves
Compteurs
11/05/2023

New-generation Linky smart meters: low levels of exposure to waves

Following the provision of new data from the French Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB) and the French Frequency Agency (ANFR), ANSES has updated the expert appraisal on Linky smart electricity meters it conducted in 2017. The Agency confirms that there is little likelihood of exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by Linky meters generating health effects in the short or long term.
Home-made weedkillers: never mix bleach and vinegar
désherbage maison
25/04/2023

Home-made weedkillers: never mix bleach and vinegar

Because of bans on the sale of numerous herbicides to the general public, more and more people have been choosing to make their own products. However, mixing certain ingredients such as bleach and vinegar can cause poisoning that sometimes requires hospitalisation. ANSES and the poison control centres are issuing a warning about this hazardous practice and recommend using only products bearing the words "Authorised for use in gardens".
ANSES and IFREMER renew their partnership
06/04/2023

ANSES and IFREMER renew their partnership

On 4 April 2023, Benoît Vallet, Director General of ANSES, and François Houllier, CEO of IFREMER, signed a new five-year framework partnership agreement. The two organisations have therefore undertaken to continue their collaborative research and expertise appraisal work on the health of fish and molluscs and the safety of foods derived from them. They are also planning to carry out their joint initiatives as part of a cross-cutting approach that is more open to society.
Scientific Conference on Air and Health: Knowledge to Support Action
rencontre scientifique Air Intérieur
06/06/2023

Scientific Conference on Air and Health: Knowledge to Support Action

Public :
Maison de la RATP - 54 Quai de la Rapée 75012 Paris
Air, whether it is outdoor air or air in enclosed environments, is likely to be polluted by numerous contaminants. Research is essential to provide the scientific knowledge needed to assess health risks and support actions to improve air quality. On 6 June, ANSES and the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) are joining forces to organise a scientific meeting on this topic. This conference will be devoted to the work that the two agencies are carrying out or funding to characterise exposure to air pollution, to explore its effects on health and to improve air quality. During the conference, ANSES will report on the results of the National Plan for Research on Environmental and Occupational Health (PNR EST) on this subject. Each of the following themes will be the subject of a session of scientific presentations: Exposure in transport and in cities Occupational environments Indoor air quality Micro-sensors and participatory sciences This event will be held in person and remotely.

Decryption

Reference values
pipette
09/08/2023

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.
Toxicity reference values (TRVs)
pipette
01/08/2023

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.
Reuse of non-potable water: what are the health risks and possible solutions?
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.
What are the effects of forest fires on population health?
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.
One Health for living beings and ecosystems
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 in tap water
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.
Asbestos: still a very topical problem
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.
Eight questions on exposure to electromagnetic waves
Radiofrequences
03/01/2023

Eight questions on exposure to electromagnetic waves

We are exposed to electromagnetic fields and waves on a daily basis: from sunlight, during X-ray examinations, when standing near electrical cables or while using our mobile phones. What exactly are they? What are their potential health effects? Can they also have consequences on animal health? Can we limit our exposure and if so, how? This article provides some answers.
Electromagnetic waves
Radiofréquences
03/01/2023

Electromagnetic waves

Our lifestyles are increasingly exposing us to electromagnetic fields and waves, whether from household appliances, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile phones, connected objects, high-voltage lines, etc. ANSES has been working for many years to advance knowledge of the health effects associated with these technologies.
Electromagnetic waves
Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean
Chlordécone
19/12/2022

Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean

Chlordecone is a pesticide that can pose a risk to human health. It was used in banana plantations in the French Caribbean until 1993. Being very persistent, it has permanently contaminated the soil and water, and even today has an impact on crops and livestock production. Since the early 2000s, ANSES has been working to improve knowledge on exposure of the French Caribbean population to this contaminant and the associated health risks. In particular, it has made recommendations on the consumption of locally produced food.
Update on ragweed pollen
Ambroisie
29/06/2022

Update on ragweed pollen

Between 1 and 3.5 million people in France are believed to be allergic to ragweed today. What is ragweed? When do pollen levels peak? Is ragweed present across France? Are there ways of keeping it from spreading? Here is our update on the situation.
PFASs: chemicals in the spotlight
PFAS
23/05/2022

PFASs: chemicals in the spotlight

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in many everyday products (technical clothing, fire-fighting foam, food packaging, etc.) due to their specific chemical properties. Extremely persistent, PFASs are found in all environmental compartments and can contaminate people via the consumption of food and water. As PFASs are a cross-border issue, they are currently monitored and assessed at European level. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in many everyday products (technical clothing, fire-fighting foam, food packaging, etc.) due to their specific chemical properties. Extremely persistent, PFASs are found in all environmental compartments and can contaminate people via the consumption of food and water. As PFASs are a cross-border issue, they are currently monitored and assessed at European level.

Publications

Document PDF
Health reference values
Thematique
Environmental health
Date de mise en ligne
21/08/2023
Numéro de saisine
2021-SA-0212
Document PDF
Assessment of the risks related to physical agents and new technologies
Thematique
Environmental health
Date de mise en ligne
17/05/2023
Numéro de saisine
2018-SA-0168
Document PDF
Chemicals covered by the REACh and CLP Regulations
Thematique
Environmental health
Date de mise en ligne
20/02/2023
Numéro de saisine
2022-AST-0135
Document PDF
Assessment of the risks related to air environments
Thematique
Environmental health
Date de mise en ligne
18/01/2023
Numéro de saisine
2018-SA-0271
Document PDF
Assessment of the risks related to physical agents and new technologies
Thematique
Environmental health
Date de mise en ligne
05/04/2022
Numéro de saisine
2019-SA-0006