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Produits Phytopharmaceutiques
30/04/2020 —
News

Study of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate: ANSES announces the scientific teams selected to conduct additional toxicological studies

Following the controversy over the carcinogenic classification of glyphosate, ANSES issued a call for tenders for additional toxicological studies on the carcinogenic potential of this substance. Now that the selection process is complete, the Agency is today announcing the scientific teams chosen to carry out these studies, whose results will be used in the European Union's re-assessment of glyphosate due for late 2022.
Huiles Essentielles
28/04/2020 —
News

ANSES calls for vigilance concerning essential-oil based sprays and diffusers

Described as having the ability to “cleanse” or “purify” the air, essential-oil based sprays and diffusers are increasingly present in our homes. Continuing the studies undertaken in 2017 on indoor air purification techniques, ANSES is publishing a toxicovigilance study on exposure to these essential-oil based products, along with a review of scientific literature on the health effects of the substances emitted. An analysis of the cases of poisoning reported to the French Poison Control and Monitoring Centres highlighted a range of adverse effects in normal conditions of use, mainly irritation of the eyes, throat and nose, and respiratory effects. These products also emit volatile organic compounds, which may be a source of indoor air pollution. ANSES is alerting the public authorities to the need to better inform consumers of the precautions to be taken when using these products, particularly in the case of people suffering from asthma or other chronic respiratory diseases, owing to the irritating substances potentially emitted by these products.
20/04/2020 —
News

COVID-19: domestic animals play no part in transmission of the virus to humans

When asked about potential transmission of the COVID-19 disease via domestic animals, ANSES urgently convened an expert group to answer this question. It issued its first opinion on 9 March 2020 . The recently acquired initial findings of investigations into the possible infection of pets during COVID-19 outbreaks and experimental inoculation models of certain domestic animal species have since led the Agency to update its expert appraisal. In particular, there have been reports of sporadic cases of contamination of domestic animals, and experimental infections have demonstrated the susceptibility of some animal species (ferrets, hamsters and to a lesser extent cats) to the virus. After taking this new information into account, ANSES nevertheless considers that there is currently no scientific evidence showing that domestic animals (livestock and pets) play an epidemiological role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Compléments Alimentaires
17/04/2020 —
News

ANSES warns against taking food supplements that could lower the body’s immune response

Some of the plants found in food supplements can weaken the body’s natural defences, primarily by interfering with the inflammatory defence mechanisms used to fight infection and, in particular, COVID-19. The plants concerned by the ANSES opinion include willow, meadowsweet, harpagophytum, turmeric, echinacea, birch, poplar and liquorice.
Vitamine D
17/04/2020 —
News

Ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake through diet during lockdown

Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining bone and muscle tissue and boosting our immune system. In the current COVID-19 epidemic, our immune defences might need to work particularly hard. We get our vitamin D intake from food sources such as oily fish, cheese and egg yolk. ANSES is reiterating the importance of ensuring sufficient intake, not only during the current lockdown but all year round, particularly for older people, people with olive or dark skin, and menopausal women. For these populations, an insufficient intake over a long period leads to weaker bones and a higher risk of fractures, as well as decreasing immune defences. The Agency has compiled a list of vitamin D-rich foods that you may already have in your cupboards or that you can add to your basket when next you go shopping.
Pesticides
14/04/2020 —
News

ANSES opinion on the plant protection substances identified as giving rise to concern in the December 2017 mission report on the use of plant protection products

As part of France’s national action plan to reduce the use of plant protection substances, ANSES is publishing its expert appraisal on the substances requiring particular attention, based on their hazard level and on phytopharmacovigilance data. ANSES is recommending a reassessment of several active substances at European level as a priority. At the same time, the Agency is undertaking its own immediate reassessment of products already on the market, based on the latest European standards.
Infection Alimentaire
08/04/2020 —
News

Good practices for preventing foodborne infections during the lockdown

Each year, in France, around a third of reported foodborne infections occur in the home. During the current lockdown period, when all meals have to be taken at home, there may be some changes to how food is stored, prepared and consumed. It is therefore essential to pay greater attention to applying good hygiene practices in the kitchen. Here, ANSES's experts offer a reminder of the rules to be followed to ensure that the lockdown does not lead to an increase in foodborne infections and additional demands on health professionals during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Activité Physique
06/04/2020 —
News

Keep up physical activity and limit sedentary behaviour: ANSES adapts its guidelines to the lockdown situation

Fewer trips outside, less physical activity and more inactivity, calories and dietary imbalances... The lockdown set up to combat the COVID-19 epidemic may pose specific risks to our health. ANSES issued an internal request with a view to making recommendations to mitigate the effects of these unusual circumstances on our musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and metabolic systems.
Résorcinol
03/04/2020 —
News

ANSES proposes identifying resorcinol as a proven endocrine disruptor for humans

Resorcinol is used in the manufacture of tyres, rubber products, adhesives and industrial resins. It is also used in certain cosmetic and hygiene products (hair dyes, mascara for professional use), as an antioxidant in food products such as shrimp, and as an antiseptic in certain medicines. As part of the National Endocrine Disruptor Strategy, ANSES assessed resorcinol's endocrine-disrupting potential for human health. The results of ANSES's expert appraisal showed that resorcinol affects thyroid function leading to harmful effects, particularly in pregnant women, and therefore fulfils the conditions for submission as a proven endocrine disruptor. ANSES is proposing that it be identified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under the REACh Regulation, which could eventually lead to stricter control of its use in Europe.

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