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Air Ambiant
21/12/2017 —
News

Pollen and mould in the ambient air of France’s overseas territories: improving our understanding in order to better assess their health impacts

ANSES was asked to report on the current state of knowledge regarding the health impact of pollen and mould allergens in the ambient air on the general population of France’s overseas regions and départements (DROMs): Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion and Mayotte. Its expert appraisal revealed the lack of available data in these territories for assessing the health impact of pollen and mould in the ambient air on the health of the general population. In this context, the Agency recommends setting up a scheme for monitoring the pollen and mould present in the ambient air, pursuing research in order to learn more about the state of health of the populations, developing prevention initiatives and informing the populations about these health issues, and continuing the work already being carried out by local associations on asthma and allergies.
Chlordécone
15/12/2017 —
News

Chlordecone in the French Caribbean: certain food procurement methods promote overexposure

ANSES has today published the results of its assessment of the health risks related to dietary exposure to chlordecone for the general population of the French Caribbean and for several sub-populations at risk of overexposure. The Agency’s expert appraisal led it to conclude that food acquired via unofficial supply channels (home production, gifts, food purchased from roadside stalls) may result in greater exposure to chlordecone than that observed with food acquired from regulated supply channels (medium and large retailers, markets, grocery stores). In addition, the Agency reconsidered the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs, residue limits authorised in different foods) currently in force for chlordecone in foodstuffs of animal origin. These seem adequate for protecting the population in Guadeloupe and Martinique as part of a diet following the consumption recommendations. To limit the risk to overexposed populations, the Agency therefore recommends continuing to encourage abiding by the consumption recommendation.
Piles Bouton
13/12/2017 —
News

Risks of ingestion of button batteries by young children: adopt the right reflexes in the event of an accident

Several cases of poisoning in young children (including one that was serious) resulting from the ingestion of button batteries from luminous fidget spinners have been reported by the French poison control centres. These cases illustrate the importance for parents to prevent accidents by avoiding products presenting a risk and adopting the right reflexes in the event of ingestion of button batteries, even when only suspected. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) and the French poison control centres wish to reiterate the advice to follow.
Compléments Alimentaires
30/11/2017 —
News

Food supplements containing spirulina: the importance of choosing trustworthy supply channels

Under the national nutrivigilance scheme, reports of adverse effects likely to be associated with the consumption of food supplements containing spirulina have been brought to the attention of ANSES. These reports led ANSES to assess the risks associated with the consumption of this type of food supplement. In the opinion it is publishing today, the Agency emphasises that products containing spirulina can be contaminated by cyanotoxins, bacteria or trace metal elements. In this context, the Agency recommends that consumers should choose trustworthy supply channels. Apart from the risk of contamination, spirulina does not seem to present a health risk at low doses. However, in light of the characteristics of spirulina and the adverse effects reported, ANSES advises against the consumption of these food supplements by individuals suffering from phenylketonuria or with an allergic predisposition. Lastly, the Agency does not consider spirulina to be a reliable source of vitamin B12 for vegan populations.
30/01/2018 —
Event

Tuesday, 30 January, 2018 to Wednesday, 31 January, 2018

H2020 One Health EJP Kick-off meeting

14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie 94 700 Maisons-Alfort
Public : non
ANSES
The One Health EJP is a EU cofunded project under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. The European Joint Programme (EJP) on "One Health", coordinated by ANSES with the participation of 41 partners from 19 Member and Associated States, was approved by the European Commission and starts on 1 January 2018 for a period of 5 years. The international "One Health" concept recognises that human health is highly dependent on animal health and the environment, and that the foodborne contaminants in particular that affect human health, animal health and the environment are closely intertwined. The European Joint Programme (EJP) on "One Health" is implemented in this context. The One Health EJP will help strengthen cooperation between its partners. These research centres, most of which have reference mandates on foodborne zoonoses, form an organised network and represent an integrated research community whose aim is to promote scientific progress in the areas of foodborne zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance and emerging risks. The programme has been built upon the principle of co-funding from the participating institutes and the European Union ("Horizon 2020", the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation). Costing amount €90 million, 50% of its funding will come from the European Commission. While ensuring effective interaction with the other major projects funded by the European Commission, the One Health EJP will generate scientific data to be used as input for the analysis of health risks and their assessment by national and European agencies. One of the network's priorities will be to monitor the proper dissemination of information within the scientific community. The objective of the Kick-off meeting is therefore to disseminate political messages on the importance of this One Health initiative to the EJP community as well as concretely introduce organisation and functioning of the One health EJP and scientific activities which will be implemented.
Néonicotinoïdes
24/11/2017 —
News

Marketing authorisations for products containing sulfoxaflor: ANSES notes the decision of the Court of Nice

By an Order issued in summary proceedings, the Court of Nice has ordered the suspension of two marketing authorisations issued by ANSES in September for the products Closer and Transform. The Agency takes note of this Decision.
Onglerie
23/11/2017 —
News

Professionals working in nail care and decoration: exposure to multiple chemical substances

Today ANSES is publishing the results of its expert appraisal on assessment of the health risks to professionals exposed to products used in fingernail care and decoration. In view of the many substances to which these professionals are exposed, the Agency is issuing a series of recommendations for the different actors concerned: companies placing the products on the market, professionals working in the sector, the public authorities, research and prevention institutions and organisations. These recommendations concern the prevention and protection measures to be implemented, the chemical safety of the cosmetics and assessment of worker exposure, as well as measures relating to training and information for the professionals.
21/11/2017 —
News

Drinking water: treatment with orthophosphates reduces the concentration of lead in the water supply but more knowledge is needed about its effects

Today ANSES is publishing the results of an expert appraisal on the treatment of drinking water with orthophosphates to limit lead dissolution. The Agency concludes that treatment with orthophosphates is one possible collective protection measure, but is not in itself sufficient. In addition, the available data cannot be used to precisely assess the effects of orthophosphate treatment on the quality of the water supply. Accordingly, the Agency recommends accompanying any new implementation of orthophosphate water treatment by studies to better determine the different impacts of this treatment, especially on the microbiological quality of the water supply and on the environment. The Agency also recommends improving knowledge of the public drinking-water supply and private systems inside older buildings, in order to better estimate the population's exposure to lead from the ingestion of drinking water.
Produits Phytopharmaceutiques
26/10/2017 —
News

ANSES withdraws marketing authorisation for Basta F1, a plant protection product containing glufosinate

On 24 October 2017, ANSES withdrew the marketing authorisation for the only plant protection product containing glufosinate authorised in France, Basta F1, marketed by Bayer SAS, as well as the import permits for products containing it. Following a re-examination of the marketing authorisation for this product, the Agency concluded that risks to the health of users, workers and people in the vicinity of treated areas could not be ruled out.

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