Published on 22/10/2019

Keywords : Plant health, Xylella fastidiosa

Xylella fastidiosa is a phytopathogenic bacterium that can affect plants in key agricultural sectors: grapes, citrus, Prunus, olives, alfalfa, oak, maple, horticulture, forestry, etc. There are no curative measures against this bacterium, except for grubbing up and destroying the contaminated plants and controlling the insect vectors. X. fastidiosa was first detected in Europe in 2013 in Italy, and was detected in Corsica in July 2015. More recently, isolated outbreaks have been reported in a greenhouse in Germany and also in Spain (Balearic Islands and the Alicante region). Here is an update on the role of the ANSES Plant Health Laboratory in combating this bacterium.  

Published on 11/10/2019

Keywords : Bovine tuberculosis, Zoonosis, Animal diseases

Bovine tuberculosis is an animal disease transmissible to humans that primarily affects cattle herds. France has enjoyed disease-free status since 2001, but a few outbreaks persist in certain départements and are currently covered by specific surveillance and management measures, making it possible for this status to be maintained. Below you will find an overview of this disease, its situation in France and the role played by the Agency.

Published on 08/10/2019

Keywords : SDHI Fungicides

On 14 January 2019, after being alerted by a group of scientists, ANSES published an opinion on the assessment of a warning signal regarding the toxicity of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides. Based on a review of all the scientific data currently available, carried out by a group of independent experts, ANSES concluded that there was no health alert justifying the withdrawal of marketing authorisations for these fungicides. However, it called for vigilance at European and international level and stressed the need to step up research on potential toxicological effects in humans. Work to examine this warning signal regarding SDHI fungicides has been continuing since January 2019 in three areas: the definition and funding of specific research, the detection by existing surveillance schemes of possible health effects that may be observed in the field, and lastly exchanges with research organisations and health agencies tasked with assessing these substances, in particular the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Published on 08/10/2019

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.

Updated on 02/10/2019

Keywords : Occupational exposure limit values (OELVs), Chemical risks

Determining occupational exposure limits for chemicals requires different but complementary approaches that may involve measuring substances in the atmosphere of the work environment, measuring surface contamination of workstations and biomonitoring of workers, in other words monitoring biological markers which reflect worker exposure. Consequently, whenever ANSES considers it to be relevant, it may, in addition to atmospheric OELs, propose biological limit values which could be used for biological monitoring of exposure by occupational physicians.

Published on 13/08/2019

Keywords : Light, Lighting, LED (Light-emitting diode), Sleep

Since the 2000s, in the context of energy-saving policies and technological developments, LEDs have become commonplace lighting solutions, and the number of LED objects has been steadily increasing. ANSES had conducted a number of expert assessments to better understand the effects of LEDs and of blue light on health, and to provide recommendations for the public authorities in order to protect the public.

Published on 22/07/2019

Keywords : Plant protection productsPlant protection products, Biological pest control, Biocontrol

Biological pest control products include macro-organisms (invertebrates, insects, mites and nematodes) and plant protection products containing micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses), chemical mediators such as sex pheromones (chemical substances produced by insects that play a role in sexual attraction) and natural plant, animal or mineral-based substances. In a context advocating reduced use of plant protection products, biological control is one solution that has been identified for reaching the goals of the Ecophyto 2018 plan. For this reason, the marketing and assessment procedures need to be adjusted. Indeed, while the principles of biological control promote the use of processes and interactions that already exist in nature, these products can present risks for the environment. ANSES has therefore been asked to assess them.

Published on 03/06/2019

An applicant intending to submit a marketing authorisation application for a veterinary medicinal product using the decentralised procedure with France acting as RMS has to inform the Anses-ANMV at least 2 months in advance.

Updated on 22/07/2019

Keywords : Pharmacovigilance, Antiparasitics

As part of the veterinary pharmacovigilance scheme ANSES operates via the French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products, serious or even fatal adverse reactions in cats treated with topical antiparasitics containing permethrin, normally intended for dogs, are regularly reported. ANSES therefore reminds cat owners that they should never use permethrin-based veterinary drugs, and offers some advice on how to avoid poisoning.

Published on 30/04/2019

Keywords : Titanium dioxide, Additives, Nanomaterials, REACh (regulation)

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used in many industrial and commercial applications (food additives, cosmetics, pigments) and comes in different forms, both micro- and nanometric. ANSES is conducting work to assess the risks associated with the different routes of exposure to TiO2, by ingestion and inhalation. Below is an update on the Agency’s various activities in this domain.