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ANSES changes its method of developing indoor air guideline values (IAGVs)
Valeurs Guide Air Intérieur
28/06/2011
News

ANSES changes its method of developing indoor air guideline values (IAGVs)

Just like the quality of outdoor air, the quality of air inside buildings is a public health concern. In temperate climates, each person spends an average of 85% of their time in enclosed environments, the majority of that time in the home. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid in France to the quality of indoor air.
Perfluorinated compounds: a first national measurement campaign in water
Perfluores
10/06/2011
News

Perfluorinated compounds: a first national measurement campaign in water

Commissioned by the French Ministry of Health to prepare an initial national status report on the presence of perfluorinated compounds in water, ANSES, through its Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, has now published its results.
Radiofrequencies and mobile telephones: reaction to the decision by the IARC
Radiofrequences
31/05/2011
News

Radiofrequencies and mobile telephones: reaction to the decision by the IARC

The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recently classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields related to the use of mobile telephones as possibly carcinogenic to humans. This corresponds to Group 2B in a classification system ranging from 1 (carcinogenic to humans) to 4 (probably not carcinogenic to humans), with Group 2 being divided into 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) and 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). This decision is the result of discussions by a Working Group of international experts meeting at Lyon from 24 to 31 May. It is primarily based on data from epidemiological studies suggesting excess risk of cerebral tumours (glioma and acoustic neuroma) in “intensive” users of mobile telephones (at least 30 minutes per day over a period of 10 years). As a result of the Group's conclusions the Director of the IARC, Christopher Wild, stated the importance of carrying out long-term research into the risks of the intensive use of mobile phones so as to verify the potential existence of such risks, and meanwhile of taking pragmatic measures to reduce exposure of the head by the use of hands-free devices or texting. The conclusions and recommendations issued by the IARC converge with the opinions and recommendations already published by the Agency, particularly in its report of 2009. To address the questions raised by the use of radiofrequencies, ANSES has conducted frequent expert appraisals(1) of their potential effects on health and has consequently issued several recommendations for reducing exposure of the public and developing research. These recommendations were mostly incorporated in the “Grenelle 2” regulations, such as labels mentioning the specific absorption rate (SAR) of mobile telephones, the obligation to provide an accessory reducing exposure of the head (such as a hands-free kit, when selling a mobile phone), or measures concerning the most susceptible population groups, such as children. In 2011, the Agency is pursuing its scientific intelligence monitoring on the subject. With so much research work constantly being published in this field, and following on from the transfer of responsibilities to ANSES from the French Health and Radiofrequencies Foundation, the Agency is setting up a system allowing all aspects of the issues raised by radiofrequencies to be taken into account. It is therefore setting up a permanent “Radiofrequencies and health” Working Group comprising a dozen independent expert scientists whose mission will be to monitor scientific publications in real time and, if necessary, to update the Agency's collective assessment concerning the health effects of radiofrequencies (2009), to provide rapid scientific or technical support for specific needs and to recommend new lines of research. At the same time, ANSES has set up a research programme entitled "Radiofrequencies and Health" with an annual budget of €2M and its own dedicated Scientific Board. It will issue annual calls for research projects in parallel with the “Environmental and Occupational Health” programme. Lastly, ANSES will also create a dialogue committee, to act as a forum for all stakeholders and ensure that the Agency is kept aware of the public's concerns on this issue. It will be chaired by Georges Mercadal and its first meeting will be held on 15 June. (1) The Agency has published three opinions and reports on this subject, in 2003, 2005 and 2009, together with a report and opinion on the specific issue of radiofrequency identification (RFID) systems, in 2009.
ANSES compiles available data to help in identifying professions that have the highest risk of exposure to asbestos
30/05/2011
News

ANSES compiles available data to help in identifying professions that have the highest risk of exposure to asbestos

As part of the revision of the early retirement programme for persons having worked with asbestos (CAATA), ANSES has been requested to gather available scientific and technical data on occupational exposure to asbestos. The aim was to identify occupations with a high level of exposure to asbestos, and those for which exposure leads to the development of occupational diseases. This study identified various occupations in the asbestos manufacturing and thermal transformation sectors. The report also found a risk of exposure for workers in the building and civil engineering sectors, but exposure levels were found to vary considerably.
Nutrition and cancer: recommendations
Nutrition
25/05/2011
News

Nutrition and cancer: recommendations

Based on all the scientific data available, what nutritional recommendations can be given concerning cancer prevention? Faced with the major public health problem of cancer and the plethora of often contradictory views and advice on the subject, ANSES decided to initiate an internal request and published its expert report today entitled "Nutrition and cancer: the soundness of nutritional recommendations for the prevention of cancer" The report clarifies the established levels of scientific proof for a number of nutritional factors that may be involved in the prevention of cancer and provides several recommendations. It emphasises the fact that no single food or nutrient can be considered in and of itself as an "anti-cancer" food.
Following feedback from stakeholders on the report of its expert committee, ANSES has published an opinion on weight-loss diets
Regime
12/05/2011
News

Following feedback from stakeholders on the report of its expert committee, ANSES has published an opinion on weight-loss diets

On 25 November 2010, ANSES published an expert report on the risks related to dietary weight-loss practices and then submitted The report to all stakeholders for consultation. In the light of the feedback received, the Agency has now published its Opinion confirming that following weight-loss diets is not without risk and requires personalised supervision by a health professional.
Phthalates, parabens, alkylphenols: four questions for Marc Mortureux
05/05/2011
News

Phthalates, parabens, alkylphenols: four questions for Marc Mortureux

Assessing the risks associated with endocrine disruptors - chemicals such as phthalates, parabens and alkylphenols - is a key priority for ANSES. Marc Mortureux, Director General of ANSES, comments on the issue, which is currently being debated in Parliament, and gives an update on the progress of ongoing work.
Cranberry and urinary tract infections: state of scientific knowledge
Canneberges
04/05/2011
News

Cranberry and urinary tract infections: state of scientific knowledge

The term "urinary tract infections” (UTIs) covers a heterogeneous group of infections occurring more frequently in women than in men, with 40 to 50% of women having at least one UTI during their lifetime. The bacterium Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) is the pathogen most frequently responsible for UTIs in women aged from 15 to 65 years (80% of cases).
Aspartame: an update on the ANSES investigation
Edulcorants
01/02/2011
News

Aspartame: an update on the ANSES investigation

Aspartame is an intense sweetener that has been authorised in the United States since 1974 and in Europe since 1994. It has been assessed several times in the United States (1981, 1983, 1998 and 2007) and in Europe (1985, 1989, 1997, 2002 and 2006) and also at international level by the WHO (with multiple assessments by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives - JECFA - since the 1980s). They concluded that aspartame was safe to use and set an acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg of body weight.

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