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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.

02/04/2025 —

Research

ANSES to coordinate Green Data for Health (GD4H) in support of environmental health

On Wednesday 2 April 2025, a cooperation agreement was signed between the members of the Green Data for Health project (GD4H), entrusting ANSES with its coordination. GD4H brings together a community of French environmental health stakeholders, with the aim of facilitating the availability of environmental data and their cross-referencing with health data.

L’Anses propose de classer le cannabidiol (CBD) comme présumé toxique pour la reproduction humaine

21/03/2025 —

News

ANSES proposes that cannabidiol (CBD) be classified as a "presumed human reproductive toxicant"

On the basis of the available studies in animal models showing impaired fertility and development, ANSES has identified the substance CBD as a presumed human reproductive toxicant, and has submitted a proposal for it to be classified in the European CLP Regulation. The scientific dossier is available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) until 16 May 2025, for comments or provision of additional information.

L’Anses propose de classer le résorcinol comme perturbateur endocrinien dans le règlement européen CLP

04/03/2025 —

Expert assessment

ANSES proposes classifying galaxolide as toxic for reproduction in the European CLP Regulation

ANSES is proposing a harmonised classification for galaxolide, sometimes referred to as HHCB, as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under the CLP Regulation (for Classification, Labelling and Packaging of products). This substance, which is widely used in everyday products such as perfumes, cosmetics and air fresheners, can cause damage to human fertility and development, according to the conclusions of ANSES’s expert appraisal work. Since 27 January 2025, the scientific dossier has been available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), for comments or provision of additional information on this substance.

Dangers des produits ménagers : renforcer l’information des consommateurs

14/02/2025 —

Expert assessment

Household product hazards: improving consumer information

In order to better inform consumers about the health and environmental hazards of household products, ANSES is proposing to categorise these products in order to establish a labelling standard for them. This work is also aimed at encouraging manufacturers to improve the composition of their products.

14/02/2025 —

Expert assessment

ANSES proposes classifying resorcinol as an endocrine disruptor in the European CLP Regulation

After having shown that resorcinol affects thyroid function, with harmful effects, the Agency is putting forward a proposal to classify this substance as an endocrine disruptor for human health. This was made possible by the recent creation of this hazard class in the CLP Regulation (the European Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging). Since 20 January 2025, the scientific dossier has been available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), for comments or provision of additional information on this substance.

23/01/2025 —

Expert assessment

Alert confirmed for glyoxylic acid in hair-straightening products

Glyoxylic acid, a chemical used in hair-straightening products (also known as hair relaxers), can cause acute kidney failure: this was confirmed by ANSES after it examined the available scientific data on its toxicity. The Agency believes that a ruling is needed on restricting or even banning the use of this substance in hair care products. Pending regulatory measures, it recommends avoiding the use of hair-straightening products containing glyoxylic acid. It also urges the companies marketing hair care products containing this substance to re-examine their safety.

23/12/2024 —

Research

Environmental and occupational health: 42 research projects funded in 2024

ANSES has published the list of research projects selected following the call for proposals of the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health, issued in late 2023. The projects will receive a total of €7.78 million in funding. This research seeks to provide new knowledge on environmental risks to human health in the general or occupational populations, as well as on risks to ecosystems.

18/12/2024 —

Inside ANSES

Laboratory for Hydrology: 200 years of safeguarding public health

ANSES's Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. The safety of water is embedded in its DNA. Under the impact of climate change and new lifestyle patterns, this issue has become a major concern for society. Sophie Lardy-Fontan, its director, presents the laboratory.

11/12/2024 —

Expert assessment

Sunscreen products: better consumer information means better protection

The European Commission intends to revise the recommendations on safety and efficacy claims for sunscreen products it issued to industry in 2006. Its aim is to provide consumers with better guidance when choosing and using these products. ANSES has produced an opinion in support of this revision that calls for the recommendation to be made clearer and more restrictive, in order to provide better protection for users of sunscreen products.

Culture de cellules dans une boite de petri

20/11/2024 —

Research

A metabolomic approach to assessing substance toxicity

The metabolic activity of cells could be used to determine the concentration above which a substance is toxic. A study conducted by ANSES scientists has explored this innovative approach, which could identify the concentration above which a substance poses a risk to human health based on in vitro test results.

16/10/2024 —

News

Warning on the risks of hair straightening products containing glyoxylic acid

As part of its cosmetovigilance mission , since the beginning of the year ANSES has received four reports of acute kidney failure following the application of so-called ‘Brazilian hair straightening’ treatments containing glyoxylic acid. As a precautionary measure, ANSES, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) and the Directorate General for Health (DGS) are today informing hair salon and cosmetics trade professionals, in addition to users, of this possibility of acute kidney failure associated with the application of hair straightening treatments containing glyoxylic acid. Pending the conclusions of the expert appraisal undertaken by ANSES, both the DGCCRF and the DGS advise against using such straightening products.

01/10/2024 —

News

LEDs in toys: ANSES calls for a revision of the "eye safety" section of the European standard

The safety of electric toys is verified according to a European standard that was updated in 2020. ANSES recently conducted an in-depth examination of the new protocol for verifying that toys containing LEDs are safe for eyes. It concluded that the revised version is unable to guarantee compliance with the limit values for protecting children's eyes. ANSES therefore recommends suspending application of the updated part of the standard relating to eye safety and revising it without delay.

14/02/2025

Cosmetics: how can we better protect consumer health?

The composition of cosmetic products means that we can routinely be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals. What are their possible effects on health? Why is it important to report adverse effects? Since early 2024, ANSES has been responsible for vigilance and expert appraisals relating to cosmetics and tattoo products. Our experts on the subject tell you everything you need to know about cosmetics and protecting health.

27/01/2025

What impacts do synthetic surfaces for sports and playgrounds have on health and the environment?

For many years, tyre granules have been used as infill material for synthetic sports pitches and playgrounds. These materials have raised concerns about their potential impact on health and the environment. ANSES has therefore analysed the studies and expert assessments currently available on this topic, along with the latest regulatory changes. Here is an update on this subject.

20/12/2024

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.

17/12/2024

Risks in using essential oils and precautions to be taken

Whether applied to the skin, used in sprays and diffusers or ingested, essential oils have become everyday products. However, they contain a variable mixture of substances that can be toxic to our health. We take a look at the issue to better understand the potential effects of essential oils.

30/10/2024

One Health for living beings and ecosystems

The One Health concept 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?

20/09/2024

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.

20/09/2024

How can non-potable water be used? What are the health risks?

With water resources becoming increasingly scarce, there is growing interest in the different ways in which non-potable water such as wastewater and rainwater can be used. These include irrigating crops, watering gardens and green spaces, cleaning floors and cars, or flushing toilets. However, this water may contain pathogenic micro-organisms and potentially toxic organic or inorganic chemicals. Here is an update on the authorised uses and ANSES's recommendations.

12/06/2024

Endocrine disruptors, a scientific challenge

Endocrine disruptors are substances that can interfere with our hormonal system and cause adverse effects. Given the multiple sources of exposure, scientists need to understand the role played by these substances in the development of certain diseases.

28/05/2024

Understanding more about exposure to and the hazards of PFASs

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as PFASs, are chemicals that share one main characteristic: they are very persistent in the environment. This persistence means they can be found in all environmental compartments. Given the very large number of substances involved, the major challenge is to prioritise actions to prevent or limit health and environmental risks. PFASs have been a topic of interest for ANSES for a long time. The Agency carries out several activities in this area: characterising the PFASs most commonly found, determining the levels of contamination to which people are exposed, and identifying the most toxic substances. Below is an overview of this work.

26/04/2024

Risk of emergence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in France

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a potentially fatal disease in humans, transmitted by certain ticks. Although no indigenous human cases have yet been reported in France, there is a real risk of this disease emerging in the country.

04/04/2024

PFASs: very persistent chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFASs, are chemicals whose specific properties mean that they are used in many everyday products. Extremely persistent, PFASs are found in all environmental compartments and people can therefore be exposed via air, food and drinking water, or through the use of various everyday products and objects. Below we review the applicable regulations and the health and environmental challenges associated with this class of substances.

22/03/2024

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.