News

Around a hundred accidents were caused by products used to disinfect toilets or furniture in nursery schools over the period 2017-2022. These accidents were mainly due to improper use of disinfectants. Although most of the accidents were not serious, one child required a skin graft..

Ticks are the leading vector of disease for animals, and rank second for humans. Lyme disease, the best-known tick-borne illness, is caused by a bacterium. Tests have been conducted on an innovative vaccine targeting the tick microbiota, with a view to reducing tick infection by this bacterium. This work was carried out by INRAE in collaboration with ANSES and the Alfort National Veterinary School, and the results were published in the journal Microbiome on 24 July.

Between 2017 and 2022, more than one in 10 French households were infested by bed bugs. Contrary to popular belief, their presence does not indicate a lack of cleanliness, and anyone can fall victim to an infestation in their home. Moreover, bed bugs are a costly nuisance for households in metropolitan France, considering the expense of treatment and the psychological impact. The Agency therefore recommends that certain households be provided with financial assistance to cover the costs associated with exterminating bed bugs. It also recommends that professionals and private individuals favour alternative control methods instead of chemical insecticides.

In addition to exposure to chemical substances and products, some occupational activities and working conditions can cause or promote the onset of cancer. ANSES has developed a methodology to assess the carcinogenicity of these work processes, in order to better prevent the associated risks to workers.