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cadmium

What is cadmium, and how can we reduce our exposure to it?

Updated on 20/12/2023

Cadmium is a toxic metal that is ubiquitous in the environment and can contaminate soil, water, and air. We are exposed to it via food and drinking water. For several years now, ANSES has been issuing recommendations to limit our exposure to this substance.

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PFAS PFASs: very persistent chemicals

Updated on 12/04/2024

Over the years, these properties of persistence, mobility and accumulation in living organisms have led to the human population being increasingly exposed to PFASs.According to EFSA (2020), seafood, eggs and meat are the foods that contribute most to PFOS and PFOA exposure. Drinking water can also be a source of exposure, as can indoor and outdoor air, dust and contaminated soil. Occupational exposure to PFASs can occur in a number of industrial sectors, including the chemical industry, textile processing and electronics manufacturing, as well as from their use in fire-fighting. The highest blood contamination levels are found among workers at PFAS manufacturing sites (ECHA, 2023).

pipette Toxicity reference values (TRVs)

Published on 25/03/2024

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.

pipette Reference values

Published on 22/03/2024

The chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis and those used in our occupational activities can potentially be harmful to health. ANSES develops various reference values that are of use firstly, for assessing health risks and secondly, to enable the public authorities to establish regulatory concentrations of chemicals that should not be exceeded in order to protect our health.

Chenilles processionnaires Beware of stinging hairs from processionary caterpillars!

Updated on 11/04/2024

In forests or gardens, on the ground or on tree branches, certain caterpillars may be seen following each other in single file. These "processionary" caterpillars are insects with stinging hairs. The inflammatory reactions they can cause in humans and animals are sometimes serious.

Ambroisie Ragweed, an invasive plant that is problematic for both health and agriculture

Updated on 05/04/2024

Ragweed is native to North America but has spread to Europe in particular over the last few decades. Its pollen causes allergies, with between 1 and 3.5 million people believed to be affected in France. What is ragweed? Where is it found in France? What are its effects on agriculture? Are there ways of keeping it from spreading? Here is our update on the situation.  

Punaise de lit Bed bugs in 13 questions

Updated on 25/10/2023

Bed bug infestations have increased in recent years, due to the rise in travel and the growing resistance of these bugs to insecticides. Does the presence of bed bugs reflect a lack of hygiene? Where can you pick them up? How can you get rid of them? We answer all your questions in this article.

Eau Développement durable Reuse of non-potable water: what are the health risks and possible solutions?

Published on 17/07/2023

With water resources becoming increasingly scarce, there is growing interest in reusing wastewater and rainwater for irrigating crops, watering green spaces, washing floors and cars, or flushing toilets. However, this water may contain various pathogenic micro-organisms and potentially toxic organic or inorganic chemicals. Here are some explanations.

Feu de forêt What are the effects of forest fires on population health?

Published on 12/07/2023

With droughts and heat waves on the increase, fires are becoming more and more frequent in France. Fires produce gases and particulate emissions that impact population health, particularly for firefighters, who are the most exposed group. This article explains why.

Homme Animaux One Health for living beings and ecosystems

Updated on 27/04/2023

One Health aims to promote a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to health issues. Where did this approach come from and what does it involve? How does ANSES apply it when carrying out its activities? Find out in our article.

Pesticides Pesticides in tap water

Published on 15/03/2023

As they disperse in the environment after application, the active substances in pesticides can degrade into one or more other compounds called "metabolites". Some of these substances then end up in drinking water. In order to guarantee consumer health, ANSES provides the Directorate General for Health with scientific benchmarks that are invaluable for monitoring tap water quality. To do this, the Agency uses a method for identifying those pesticide metabolites whose presence in drinking water warrants priority attention.

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