Environmental health

The Indoor Environment Quality Observatory (OQEI), run by the Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB) and the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), is presenting the first results from the Second National Housing Campaign (CNL2), which has documented changes in air quality in French homes since the previous campaign (2003-2005). More than 170 pollutants were measured. This first report from the CNL2 covers results relating to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and radon. The results of this study, which was carried out by the CSTB, have been validated by the OQEI's Scientific Board.

Facilitating access to research data and results is essential for the mobilisation of scientific knowledge. ANSES has recently launched a portal in the HAL open archive for publications relating to the projects funded by the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health (PNR EST). This supplements a series of actions aimed at opening up data from the research projects financed by the Agency.

From food production to consumption, ANSES provides scientific expertise to ensure that food is as safe as possible. This includes developing analytical methods, conducting studies on the safety of novel foods, and monitoring food poisoning incidents. On World Food Safety Day, discover seven concrete actions taken by our scientists to protect consumer health.

Located in a livestock farming region at the heart of Brittany since 1975, the Fougères Laboratory has evolved to specialise in risks associated with veterinary medicinal products and chemical contaminants in food. Tahar Ait Ali, the Laboratory’s Director, tells us about its history and activities.

Since 2020, reports of poisoning related to the misuse of nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’, have been steadily increasing. This gas can lead to dependence and to severe, sometimes irreversible complications affecting the nervous and cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) systems if taken repeatedly and/or in large quantities. Nitrous oxide is mainly consumed by teenagers and young adults: according to data from a Santé publique France survey, in 2022, 14% of 18-24-year olds had already tried it and more than 3% reported having consumed it within the last year. Not all of these young users are aware that it can be dangerous. In response to this public health issue, the ANSM, ANSES and Santé publique France are reiterating the measures that should be taken to prevent and manage the risks associated with nitrous oxide consumption.

The wild asparagus season is here. Although considered to be edible, this plant can cause potentially serious poisoning: swelling of the throat, difficulty swallowing, etc. These symptoms generally occur three to four hours after consumption. Laboratory analysis of wild asparagus samples has revealed the presence of numerous calcium oxalate raphides, microscopic crystals known for their irritating effect.

ANSES is proposing a harmonised classification for galaxolide, sometimes referred to as HHCB, as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under the CLP Regulation (for Classification, Labelling and Packaging of products). This substance, which is widely used in everyday products such as perfumes, cosmetics and air fresheners, can cause damage to human fertility and development, according to the conclusions of ANSES’s expert appraisal work. Since 27 January 2025, the scientific dossier has been available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), for comments or provision of additional information on this substance.

In order to better inform consumers about the health and environmental hazards of household products, ANSES is proposing to categorise these products in order to establish a labelling standard for them. This work is also aimed at encouraging manufacturers to improve the composition of their products.

After having shown that resorcinol affects thyroid function, with harmful effects, the Agency is putting forward a proposal to classify this substance as an endocrine disruptor for human health. This was made possible by the recent creation of this hazard class in the CLP Regulation (the European Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging). Since 20 January 2025, the scientific dossier has been available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), for comments or provision of additional information on this substance.

Glyoxylic acid, a chemical used in hair-straightening products (also known as hair relaxers), can cause acute kidney failure: this was confirmed by ANSES after it examined the available scientific data on its toxicity. The Agency believes that a ruling is needed on restricting or even banning the use of this substance in hair care products. Pending regulatory measures, it recommends avoiding the use of hair-straightening products containing glyoxylic acid. It also urges the companies marketing hair care products containing this substance to re-examine their safety.