Analysing hair can be an effective way of monitoring exposure to chemicals that are rapidly eliminated from the body. This was the finding of a study conducted by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) and the French Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS). This study indicated the compounds for which this analysis was most relevant.

Solar and cosmic radiation, air contamination in aircraft cabins, irregular hours and night work: flight crew members are exposed to a wide range of nuisances and unique working conditions. ANSES reviews the current state of knowledge on the subject and calls for further research, considering in particular situations of multiple exposure involving these workers.

On Monday, 16 October, as part of the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health (PNR EST), ANSES is issuing two calls for research projects, on environmental and occupational health and the theme of radiofrequencies. The aim is to gain a better understanding of issues that are still relatively unexplored, but which are considered to be of major importance to human health and ecosystems. Multidisciplinary projects incorporating socio-economic aspects and holistic approaches are eagerly awaited.

ANSES is organising its 10th science day dedicated to the health of bees and pollinating insects. Beekeepers, researchers, public decision-makers, companies, and journalists are invited to discover the latest scientific breakthroughs relating to bees and exchange views with the speakers. The programme for the day includes: the results of the European PoshBee project, on the detection of pathogens and the effects of chemical and nutritional stress on wild bees, the threat posed by the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) on Reunion Island, the contamination of beeswax by plant protection products and veterinary drug residues. Societal aspects will be highlighted, with an introductory conference looking back at how bees have been perceived throughout history. Socio-economic studies will also be presented, on the regulatory and institutional contexts of bee health protection and the sharing of floral resources between beekeepers.