Environnement

Page thématique

Environmental health

On a day-to-day basis and throughout our lives, the environment is a major determinant of our health.  Whether it concerns chemical substances, airborne particles or electromagnetic waves, ANSES's expertise constantly provides the latest scientific knowledge on the risk factors for environmental exposure. The Agency assesses the risks of environmental pollution and various new technologies, and also evaluates the chemicals found in everyday products.

News

PNR EST: projects selected for 2023
PNR EST
30/11/2023
News

PNR EST: projects selected for 2023

Following the 2023 calls for proposals issued by the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health, ANSES has selected 45 research projects, which will receive funding amounting to a total of €7.41 million. This research seeks to provide new knowledge on environmental risks to human health in the general or occupational populations, as well as on risks to ecosystems.
Bumblebees affected by pesticide use
Bourdons
30/11/2023

Bumblebees affected by pesticide use

A study to which ANSES contributed has revealed the adverse effects of the use of plant protection products on bumblebee populations. It found that on sites where the highest quantities of product residues were measured, colonies had fewer offspring and lower weights. The study's findings were published in the journal Nature on 29 November 2023.
Hair used as evidence of exposure to certain chemicals
Analyse des cheveux
16/11/2023

Hair used as evidence of exposure to certain chemicals

Analysing hair can be an effective way of monitoring exposure to chemicals that are rapidly eliminated from the body. This was the finding of a study conducted by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) and the French Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS). This study indicated the compounds for which this analysis was most relevant.
Renewal of the International Cooperation for Health (IC4Health) consortium
Renouvellement du réseau de coopération internationale pour la santé IC4Health
27/10/2023

Renewal of the International Cooperation for Health (IC4Health) consortium

The International Cooperation for Health (IC4Health) consortium has been renewed. It is made up of ANSES, Santé publique France, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus detected for the first time on cattle farms in southern France
24/10/2023
News

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus detected for the first time on cattle farms in southern France

On 6 October 2023, the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus was detected in ticks of the genus Hyalomma collected from cattle reared in the Pyrénées-Orientales département of France. Santé publique France analysed the situation in collaboration with ANSES, CIRAD, and the Institut Pasteur. In June 2023, ANSES had published an analysis of the risks to human and animal health associated with ticks of the genus Hyalomma in France.
Health of flight crew members
personnels naviguants
25/10/2023

Health of flight crew members

Solar and cosmic radiation, air contamination in aircraft cabins, irregular hours and night work: flight crew members are exposed to a wide range of nuisances and unique working conditions. ANSES reviews the current state of knowledge on the subject and calls for further research, considering in particular situations of multiple exposure involving these workers.
ANSES Scientific Conferences on bee health
Abeilles
07/12/2023

7 December 2023

ANSES Scientific Conferences on bee health

Public : oui
FIAP 30 rue Cabanis 75014 PARIS
ANSES is organising its 10th science day dedicated to the health of bees and pollinating insects. Beekeepers, researchers, public decision-makers, companies, and journalists are invited to discover the latest scientific breakthroughs relating to bees and exchange views with the speakers. The programme for the day includes: the results of the European PoshBee project, on the detection of pathogens and the effects of chemical and nutritional stress on wild bees, the threat posed by the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) on Reunion Island, the contamination of beeswax by plant protection products and veterinary drug residues. Societal aspects will be highlighted, with an introductory conference looking back at how bees have been perceived throughout history. Socio-economic studies will also be presented, on the regulatory and institutional contexts of bee health protection and the sharing of floral resources between beekeepers.
Evaluation of the links between paediatric cancers and living near vineyards
Etude des liens entre des cancers pédiatriques et résidence à proximité de vignes
18/10/2023
News

Evaluation of the links between paediatric cancers and living near vineyards

In order to document the potential associations between the increased risk of cancer in children living near agricultural areas and exposure to plant protection products, ANSES financed the GEOCAP-Agri epidemiological study, whose results are being published today in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. To continue studying potential links with the use of specific products, it is currently funding another study, called GEOCAP-Pest. The Agency is also calling for the creation of databases on the treatments applied by farmers year after year.
Our online game "Agent tous risques" wins an award!
grand prix stratégie serious game
22/09/2023

Our online game "Agent tous risques" wins an award!

"Agent tous risques", our online game created in collaboration with Spintank, has been awarded a prize at the Stratégies magazine Grand Prix. It won the BRONZE award in the “External editorial communication medium or device” category.
Beware of burns to children from disinfectants used in schools
Désinfectant dans les écoles
07/09/2023

Beware of burns to children from disinfectants used in schools

Around a hundred accidents were caused by products used to disinfect toilets or furniture in nursery schools over the period 2017-2022. These accidents were mainly due to improper use of disinfectants. Although most of the accidents were not serious, one child required a skin graft..
Coral reefs in the French overseas territories: the impact of chemicals is confirmed
récifs coraliens
18/09/2023

Coral reefs in the French overseas territories: the impact of chemicals is confirmed

The coral reefs are a part of the ecosystems affected by climate disruption. But what do we know about the impact of chemicals on these reefs? With the support of the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), ANSES has looked into the health risks of these substances. Of the hundred or so substances identified as potentially toxic to corals, the Agency was able to carry out a risk assessment for around fifty of them, based mainly on data available from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion Island and Mayotte. These include UV filters, hydrocarbons, pesticides and metals. The report shows that half of the substances assessed may present risks for coral reefs and contribute to their degradation. The Agency warns that, in the absence of available data, this number is very likely to be underestimated.
Lyme disease: an innovative vaccine candidate to make ticks less dangerous
Tiques
25/07/2023

Lyme disease: an innovative vaccine candidate to make ticks less dangerous

Ticks are the leading vector of disease for animals, and rank second for humans. Lyme disease, the best-known tick-borne illness, is caused by a bacterium. Tests have been conducted on an innovative vaccine targeting the tick microbiota, with a view to reducing tick infection by this bacterium. This work was carried out by INRAE in collaboration with ANSES and the Alfort National Veterinary School, and the results were published in the journal Microbiome on 24 July.

Decryption

Bed bugs in 13 questions
Punaise de lit
05/10/2023

Bed bugs in 13 questions

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.
Reference values
pipette
09/08/2023

Reference values

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.
Toxicity reference values (TRVs)
pipette
01/08/2023

Toxicity reference values (TRVs)

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.
Reuse of non-potable water: what are the health risks and possible solutions?
Eau Développement durable
17/07/2023

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

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.
What are the effects of forest fires on population health?
Feu de forêt
12/07/2023

What are the effects of forest fires on population health?

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.
One Health for living beings and ecosystems
Homme Animaux
29/03/2023

One Health for living beings and ecosystems

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 in tap water
Pesticides
15/03/2023

Pesticides in tap water

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.
Asbestos: still a very topical problem
Amiante
07/02/2023

Asbestos: still a very topical problem

Asbestos was used on a massive scale for more than a century in various sectors including construction and public works, because of its specific properties and low extraction cost. Classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1977, its use in France has been prohibited since 1997. However, many materials containing asbestos are still currently in place, constituting sources of exposure for workers and the general population.
Eight questions on exposure to electromagnetic waves
Radiofrequences
03/01/2023

Eight questions on exposure to electromagnetic waves

We are exposed to electromagnetic fields and waves on a daily basis: from sunlight, during X-ray examinations, when standing near electrical cables or while using our mobile phones. What exactly are they? What are their potential health effects? Can they also have consequences on animal health? Can we limit our exposure and if so, how? This article provides some answers.
Electromagnetic waves
Radiofréquences
03/01/2023

Electromagnetic waves

Our lifestyles are increasingly exposing us to electromagnetic fields and waves, whether from household appliances, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile phones, connected objects, high-voltage lines, etc. ANSES has been working for many years to advance knowledge of the health effects associated with these technologies.
Electromagnetic waves
Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean
Chlordécone
19/12/2022

Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean

Chlordecone is a pesticide that can pose a risk to human health. It was used in banana plantations in the French Caribbean until 1993. Being very persistent, it has permanently contaminated the soil and water, and even today has an impact on crops and livestock production. Since the early 2000s, ANSES has been working to improve knowledge on exposure of the French Caribbean population to this contaminant and the associated health risks. In particular, it has made recommendations on the consumption of locally produced food.
Update on ragweed pollen
Ambroisie
29/06/2022

Update on ragweed pollen

Between 1 and 3.5 million people in France are believed to be allergic to ragweed today. What is ragweed? When do pollen levels peak? Is ragweed present across France? Are there ways of keeping it from spreading? Here is our update on the situation.

Publications

Document PDF
Health reference values
Date de mise en ligne
21/08/2023
Numéro de saisine
2021-SA-0212
Document PDF
Assessment of the risks related to physical agents and new technologies
Date de mise en ligne
17/05/2023
Numéro de saisine
2018-SA-0168
Document PDF
Chemicals covered by the REACh and CLP Regulations
Date de mise en ligne
20/02/2023
Numéro de saisine
2022-AST-0135
Document PDF
Assessment of the risks related to air environments
Date de mise en ligne
18/01/2023
Numéro de saisine
2018-SA-0271
Document PDF
Assessment of the risks related to physical agents and new technologies
Date de mise en ligne
05/04/2022
Numéro de saisine
2019-SA-0006