News

Today ANSES is publishing the results of its assessment of health effects related to low-frequency sounds (20 Hz to 200 Hz) and infrasounds (below 20 Hz) emitted by wind farms. The expert appraisal undertaken by the Agency made it possible, on the one hand, to measure and characterise, in a real-life situation, the infrasound emitted by wind farms, and on the other hand, to analyse the available data on the potential health effects related to exposure to infrasounds and low-frequency sounds. In its conclusions, the Agency underlines that the results of this expert appraisal provide no justification for changing the current exposure limit values or for extending the sound frequencies currently considered in the regulations to include infrasounds and low-frequency sounds. However, the Agency recommends providing enhanced information campaigns for local residents when constructing wind farms, supplementing our knowledge of exposure and undertaking further research into the relationship between health and exposure to infrasounds and low-frequency sounds. The Agency also recommends systematically measuring the noise emissions of wind turbines before and after they are brought into service and setting up continuous noise measurement systems around wind farms, based for example on current practices in the airport sector.

Today ANSES is publishing the conclusions of its expert appraisal on the health risks related to the use of devices intended for the performance of aesthetic procedures (hair removal and lipolysis). In light of the effects observed and reported in various clinical studies, ANSES has concluded that measures need to be taken to limit the occurrence of adverse effects. It recommends revising the regulatory framework for aesthetic devices, in particular applying requirements to them that are currently associated with medical devices. ANSES also recommends providing mandatory prior information on the risk of adverse effects to users undergoing aesthetic procedures.

Following an internal request, ANSES is today publishing its opinion on the assessment of the safety and effectiveness of water filter jugs. The data currently available do not indicate any risk for consumer health. The Agency concludes, however, that the use of water filter jugs can lead to various contaminants (silver ions, sodium, potassium, ammonium) leaching into drinking water, as well as a decrease in pH, and even a deterioration in the microbiological quality of the water. It is therefore issuing recommendations on improving the current standardised test protocols that define the expected performance and safety requirements of water filter jugs. It advises users to comply with the jugs’ user instructions, in particular regarding their use and cleaning, and storage of the filtered water. It also reiterates that the filter jugs are not designed to make non-potable water potable, and are only intended to be used with drinking water (DW) supplied at the tap of users.