06/04/2012 1 min

ANSES and the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sign a Memorandum of Understanding

On March 19, 2012, ANSES and the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in order to create a framework for numerous cooperation initiatives in the area of occupational health risk assessment. Two key topics have already been identified: occupational exposure limits (OELs) and nanomaterials.

Following scientific discussions betweeen the two entities regarding OELs, asbestos and cutting fluids, this partnership agreement provides ANSES and NIOSH with a framework for reinforcing and intensifying bilateral collaboration. This agreement specifies the different modes of cooperation that can be implemented in order to promote shared expertise work and reinforce research collaboration.

A new collaboration topic concerning the assessment of nanomaterial health risks has been identified.

By pooling the resources of the two organisations, it is possible to boost efficiency as well as the production, distribution and promotion capacity of the results of the research and expertise activities conducted by both in the area of occupational health.

Collaborations between ANSES and NIOSH will be implemented via the World Health Organization's international network of occupational health collaborating centres which is jointly lead by NIOSH.

About ANSES's international collaborations

The cooperation agreement between ANSES and NIOSH is part of a strategy for the development of international cooperation conducted by the Agency. Numerous partnerships have been implemented within this strategy in the form of conventions signed with equivalent institutions in countries such as Germany (BfR), Belgium (Coda-Cerva), Denmark (DTU-Food), the Netherlands (Public Health Council, Switzerland (IST), Canada (Health Canada, University of Montreal, IRSST, INSPQ), China (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chinese Institute of Veterinary Drug Control [IVD]) and the United States (US-FDA).

Find out more

NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

> NIOSH website

ANSES's primary mission in occupational health is to provide the authorities with the information necessary for decision making with regard to professional risks and to support the main public policies regarding this topic. It is therefore one of the major players in the occupational health field.