Published on 27/11/2020

Keywords : Antimicrobial resistance, Antibiotics, Resapath, Veterinary medicinal products, Animal health, Colistin

Since 1982, this unique scheme has been monitoring changes in antimicrobial resistance in all animal species in France. Run by two ANSES laboratories (Lyon and Ploufragan-Plouzané), it coordinates the work of more than 70 departmental laboratories in determining resistance to antimicrobials.

Published on 16/11/2020

Keywords : One health

The "One Health" concept was first put forward in the early 2000s, with growing awareness of the close links between human health, animal health and the overall state of the environment. It aims to promote a multidisciplinary, global approach to health issues. ANSES's work is fully in line with the One Health concept, and the Agency is coordinating several projects based on it.

Published on 10/11/2020

Keywords : Electronic cigarette, Vaping product, E-liquid, Addiction, Nicotine

Since their introduction in France in 2007, the use of vaping products has spread very quickly, and the national market continues to expand. What are these new products, how are they regulated and what risks can they pose to our health? Update on ANSES’s work

Published on 10/11/2020

Keywords : Tobacco, Cigarette, Vaping product, Electronic cigarette, E-liquid, Nicotine, Addiction

Under the regulations on tobacco and related products, ANSES is responsible for collecting and analysing the information reported by manufacturers on the products sold in France. As part of this work, the Agency is providing expert scientific support to the Directorate General for Health (DGS). It provides knowledge on the products placed on the French market, along with scientific intelligence on product composition. The Agency also conducts expert appraisals to assess the health risks associated with these products, which ties in with its other work on chemicals in consumer products and the health risks related to air quality. Overview of ANSES's responsibilities

Published on 03/11/2020

Keywords : Reference values (RVs)

As part of its missions and under the French National Environmental & Health Action Plan (2004-2008), the Agency began a national programme on TRVs in 2004 with the aim of building solid French expertise that could be shared by the various competent authorities in this area.

Published on 28/10/2020

Keywords : Swine influenza, H1N1 (Swine), Zoonosis, Animal diseases

Swine flu is a viral respiratory disease frequently occurring on French pig farms. It is usually benign but can be exacerbated or recur within a farm, generating major health problems and economic losses. These viruses have zoonotic potential (they can be transmitted to humans). The Agency’s activities dealing with these viruses are broken down into several levels of action and expertise – reference work, epidemiological surveillance, and research – providing input for expert appraisals.

Published on 28/10/2020

Keywords : Alcohol-based gel

Alcohol-based gels and solutions used as hand sanitisers are disinfectants designed to remove bacteria or viruses from healthy skin. They are biocidal products, and as such are subject to the European Regulation on these products. ANSES is responsible for assessing and issuing marketing authorisations for these types of products. Following their massive use in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agency issued an opinion on the effectiveness criteria for hand sanitisers. What properties make them effective against viruses or bacteria? Can they replace hand washing? How should they be stored?

Published on 28/10/2020

Keywords : Microplastics, Food contaminants

Microplastics range in size from 5 millimetres down to a few hundred nanometres, making them 70 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment: they are found in air, in homes, in rivers, on land and in oceans. All living species, from the smallest (e.g. zooplankton) to the largest (e.g. whales), can ingest them.

Published on 21/10/2020

Keywords : Biocides

Biocidal products are substances or preparations intended to destroy, deter or render harmless pest organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, rodents, insects, etc. These products can have a chemical or biological action (e.g. use of beneficial micro-organisms) and are intended for domestic, professional or industrial use.

Published on 16/10/2020

Keywords : Abeilles, Neonicotinoids, Plant protection products Plant protection products, Biocides

Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticidal substances. The use of neonicotinoid products in agriculture has raised concerns in many countries, primarily because of their effects on pollinating insects. New scientific evidence has led the European Union to progressively restrict the uses of these substances. There are currently two active substances in the neonicotinoid class approved for plant protection purposes at European level. In France, the use of neonicotinoid products has been prohibited in agriculture since 2018. ANSES has conducted extensive work to assess the effects of these substances on bees and has been particularly active in strengthening the requirements for marketing authorisations.