ANSES at the Paris International Agricultural Show: providing a better understanding of the health challenges related to water
As is the case every year, ANSES will be at the Paris International Agricultural Show, from 22 February to 2 March, to discuss health issues associated with agriculture and food. This year, the Agency has decided to showcase its research and expert appraisal work on the topic of water, given that pollution and climate change are putting water resources and aquatic environments under severe strain. A variety of scientific activities and conferences will give visitors a better understanding of these challenges and how the Agency is addressing them. Visitors will also be able to find out about all the professions contributing to ANSES's efforts to safeguard every type of health.
Health of aquatic organisms and bathers, pollution affecting drinking water quality, water’s key role in the spread of mosquitoes and other vectors, reusing non-potable water in homes and in agriculture... Throughout the show, ANSES will be giving visitors the chance to test their knowledge and learn how to take action to protect their own health and that of others, as well as ecosystems. Specific events will also be organised for students and professionals.
Fun ways to learn with our scientists
Our scientists will be offering educational activities on:
- the origin of microplastics in the marine environment and in seafood products
- marine bacteria that could replace antibiotics on fish farms
In our "mystery images" area, visitors can learn more about the little-known risks associated with fresh water.
And every day, our teams will be offering fun ways for curious visitors and families to learn: a quiz on the reuse of non-potable water, an investigation into food poisoning, a board game on noroviruses, a new twist on a Climate Fresk workshop, etc.
Scientific conferences with our partners
Every day from Monday to Friday, the stand will be hosting talks by scientists from ANSES and other organisations on major health issues related to water or animal health.
| Monday 24/02 at 3pm |
"Better monitoring of water contaminants" with the French Geological Survey. |
| Tuesday 25/02 at 11am |
"Research, expert appraisal and surveillance: essential collaboration between human and animal health to anticipate threats" with Santé Publique France. |
| Tuesday 25/02 at 3pm |
"Monitoring and managing cyanobacteria in bathing water" with the French Natural History Museum. |
| Wednesday 26/02 at 12:30pm |
"Avian influenza: a transatlantic overview" with Mr Charles Martins Ferreira, expert advisor on health and plant health in the United States. |
| Wednesday 26/02 at 3pm |
"Scientific collaboration to better anticipate vector-borne diseases" with the French Federation of Animal Health Protection Groups, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development and the French Biodiversity Agency. |
| Thursday 27/02 at 11am |
"Fish health: threats and challenges" with Ifremer. |
| Thursday 27/02 at 3pm |
"Seafood safety in the face of global change" with Ifremer. |
| Friday 28/02 at 11am | "Water scarcity and plant susceptibility to pathogens" with the National Forestry Office. |
Each talk lasts for around 45 minutes
Specific events for students
To raise students' awareness about the Agency's research topics and different scientific professions, they will be invited to a number of "30-minute express sequences on the research environment at ANSES":
- Monday 24/02 at 2pm: animal health – parasites in molluscs
- Thursday 27/02 at 2pm: fish health – effects of climate change on fish health
- Friday 28/02 at 1.30pm: plant health – parasites in water
Lastly, there will also be the return of "Trustie", inspired by the YouTuber Squeezie's famous game of "Who's the impostor?", which was a great success when it was launched in 2024!
For further information: our themed close-ups and articles on health issues related to water
Research, surveillance, expert appraisal: ANSES provides crucial scientific benchmarks that support public action and provide insights for public debate and economic choices. To enable you to find out more about health issues related to water, along with our work and recommendations, we have published a number of themed close-ups and articles:
Drinking water quality – Drinking water is a precious resource, and its quality is essential for guaranteeing public health. Many factors, such as the presence of chemicals, micro-organisms or pesticides, can influence whether or not it is safe to drink. ANSES works to assess and prevent the health risks associated with drinking water.
How can non-potable water be used? What are the health risks?
With water resources becoming increasingly scarce, there is growing interest in using non-potable water, such as wastewater and rainwater, for purposes such as irrigating crops, watering green spaces, cleaning floors and cars, or flushing toilets. However, this water may contain pathogenic micro-organisms and toxic organic or inorganic chemicals. ANSES provides an update on the authorised uses and its recommendations.
Oceans: focus on the health issues
Pollution, disease and climate change: what are the current threats to marine ecosystems and aquatic organisms? Water is an essential environment for life, but can also be a source of exposure to various contaminants that are harmful to health and biodiversity. Microplastics, fish health, chemicals and coral: our special close-up gives some recent examples of our work on the health of marine species (in French).
Cyanobacteria in fresh water
Cyanobacteria grow mainly in summer in waters such as lakes, ponds and some streams and rivers, and lead to a change in the colour of the water. Although they occur naturally in aquatic ecosystems, their proliferation, which results from excessive nutrient inputs to lakes and rivers, is becoming a growing international concern because of the ecological, health and economic consequences. ANSES provides some insights into this family of bacteria, which is gaining increasing attention.