News

Read time: 0 mins
Plantes Potagères
03/02/2020 —
News

ANSES warns of an emerging virus affecting vegetable plants

ANSES is issuing an alert about a new emerging virus threatening tomato, chilli pepper and sweet pepper crops in France. Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is particularly hazardous to susceptible plants. This virus can be transmitted through infected seeds, plants and fruits, as well as by simple contact. It can survive for a long time without losing its infectivity, and there are currently no treatments or varieties resistant to this virus. Identified for the first time in the Middle East in 2014, reports have been increasing since 2018, first in Mexico and the United States, then in Europe and Asia. Following its expert appraisal, ANSES confirmed the high risk of introduction and spread of the virus in France and the potentially major impact on crops, both in professional sectors and in household production, which represents significant volumes. The Agency reiterates the importance of complying with European regulations on seed and seedling imports, with special requirements applying to fruit imports. It recommends implementing a suitable surveillance plan and ensuring that the virus's presence in any production area is reported promptly, with the aim of eradicating the virus from these structures. Lastly, private individuals and professionals need to be informed of the risk posed by ToBRFV and the preventive measures to be taken.
5G
26/01/2020 —
News

5G deployment in France: ANSES takes action to assess the health risks

The deployment of "5th generation" communication technology promises innovative services based on new infrastructure. These technological developments will change the ways in which the population is exposed and require the adaptation of measurement and assessment methods. As part of the deployment of 5G in France planned for the end of this year, ANSES undertook an expert appraisal to assess the health risks associated with population exposure to this technology. In this regard, ANSES stresses the need for data describing the technologies developed and their installations, in order to characterise the associated exposure levels and assess the possible health effects.
Protection Feminine
20/01/2020 —
News

ANSES publishes the results of its additional assessment of menstrual cups and tampons

Following its 2018 expert appraisal on the safety of feminine hygiene products, ANSES is now publishing the results of its additional assessment. It confirms the need to provide better information to women and health professionals on the risk of menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which concerns all internal sanitary protection products (tampons, menstrual cups, etc.).
Couches Jetables
15/01/2020 —
News

Disposable nappies: consultation with stakeholders regarding the Europe-wide restriction of chemicals that are harmful to babies' health

ANSES is proposing to restrict chemicals found in disposable nappies, under the European chemicals regulation REACh, in order to better protect babies' health. This proposal aims to prohibit or limit the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans, PCBs and formaldehyde in these items. A year after its report pointing out the health risks associated with the presence of these substances in nappies, this proposal from ANSES is intended to strengthen the regulatory framework for these items in order to protect the health of young children. Consulting the interested parties is an important step in preparing the restriction dossier, as it enables useful information to be gathered, particularly on the use of substances identified as of concern in disposable nappies and on babies' exposure.
27/02/2020 —
Event

Saturday, 22 February, 2020 to Sunday, 1 March, 2020

ANSES in attendance at the 2020 Paris International Agricultural Show

From 9am to 7pm
Parc des expositions - Porte de Versailles, Paris - Hall 4, Allée B, stand n°118
Public :
Porte de Versailles, Paris 15e
For this 2020 edition of the Paris International Agricultural Show, ANSES is offering an insider's view of plant life and ecosystems. Today, we are facing multiple changes to our environment and lifestyles. ANSES applies its scientific expertise to current challenges, in particular those relating to plant health and the impacts on agriculture, human health and biodiversity. The Agency's objectives include preventing the emergence or introduction of pests that affect plants and ecosystems, combating invasive plants, reducing the impact of pesticide use and better protecting humans and the environment. The start of the International Year of Plant Health is the perfect time to remember that everything is interconnected and a holistic view is essential in order to preserve our health and ecosystems. The Agency celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2020! The Paris International Agricultural Show provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on the decade's major events and achievements, which have now made ANSES a major national agency committed to safeguarding health for all. For the past 10 years, the Agency has worked tirelessly to assess health risks and advance scientific knowledge to protect people and the environment. From February 22 to 1 March 2020, ANSES invites you to its stand at the Show to find out about the issues affecting plant health and its work to protect plants and ecosystems. The programme includes encounters and discoveries of the Agency's missions, with interactive scientific exhibitions and activities. Events on the ANSES stand to tell you everything you want to know about plant health.
Perles Eau
26/12/2019 —
News

Water beads: hazardous to children in the event of ingestion!

The French authorities are alerting parents and carers to the risk of water-absorbing gel beads being ingested by children, particularly the under-fives. These accidents can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
Air Extérieur
20/12/2019 —
News

Protecting local residents when plant protection products are applied

One of ANSES's main missions is to protect the public whenever plant protection products are used. The Agency estimates exposure and assesses health risks for workers and local residents as part of its work examining marketing authorisations. One of its priorities is to improve knowledge of the real impact of pesticides on human and environmental health. As such, it promotes and has been personally involved in several major scientific studies.
Contamination Aliments
19/12/2019 —
News

Food contamination: ANSES suggests better targeted controls for greater effectiveness

ANSES has conducted an assessment of the surveillance and control scheme for chemical contaminants in food implemented in France between 2010 and 2014. On the basis of a risk assessment, it noted that to a large extent the scheme did address the health issues. Areas for improvement were also suggested, which will help the public authorities focus their surveillance and control efforts on data collection according to the risks, in order to better ensure consumer safety.
Gestion Déchets
19/12/2019 —
News

Gaining a better understanding of the health risks to waste management workers

The waste management and recycling industry is central to circular economy policies and is growing all the time. The occupational health of professionals in this industry is a real challenge and was examined by ANSES in an initial expert appraisal, whose results are published today. The Agency provided an overview of the industry, and conducted an analysis to group together different waste management sectors according to their impact on worker health. Although it noted a lack of data on the health risks to waste management workers, the expert appraisal highlighted exposure to multiple risk factors, mainly associated with chemicals, bacteria and mould in waste, noise and mechanical vibrations, and organisational constraints. Risks to mental health associated with the working conditions, organisation and attitudes to occupations in this sector also need to be considered. ANSES is therefore making recommendations with a view to acquiring knowledge on the health risks to workers, raising awareness of risk prevention and improving medical monitoring of waste workers. It is also recommending that the health impacts on these professionals be integrated into eco-design activities. As a first example for the industry, the Agency proposes conducting a risk assessment on the household packaging sector, with its multiple health and socio-economic challenges.

Pages