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

Health and environment research: data in the service of public policy
08/06/2026
News

Health and environment research: data in the service of public policy

ADEME, ANR and ANSES are pleased to invite you to a one-day conference dedicated to health and environment research data.
Congrès international sur le One Health
03/06/2026
Event

International Congress on One Health

Public :
Following the inaugural edition in 2024, which brought together over 100 participants from 16 countries, the International Congress on One Health...
Chloroéthane : proposition de classement comme toxique pour la reproduction et perturbateur endocrinien
04/05/2026
News

Proposal to classify chloroethane as a reproductive toxicant and endocrine disruptor

On the basis of studies showing impaired fertility and development, ANSES proposes classifying chloroethane as a reproductive toxicant and...
Green Data for Health : les ambitions de l’Anses sur l’exploitation des données en santé environnement
27/04/2026
News

Green Data for Health: ANSES’s ambitions for leveraging environmental health data

For the past year, the Agency has been coordinating Green Data for Health (GD4H), an initiative that aims to improve understanding of the impact...
Waste sorting workers highly exposed to multiple health risk factors
22/04/2026
Expert assessment

Waste sorting workers highly exposed to multiple health risk factors

Workers in centres sorting plastic, cardboard and metal packaging are exposed to multiple hazards – including micro-organisms, chemicals, noise,...

Decryption

06/07/2026

Packaged water

Unlike tap water, packaged or bottled water is only intended for drinking. Like tap water, bottled water is monitored by the producers and distributors, and controlled by the health authorities…
03/07/2026

Ostreopsis: a toxic microalga causing health problems

Ostreopsis is a microscopic alga found in the Mediterranean and, more recently, along the coast of the Basque Country when the water temperature exceeds 20°C. It produces toxic compounds that can be…
Which mosquito repellents can be used to protect children?
02/07/2026

Which mosquito repellents can be used to protect children?

Some mosquitoes, when they bite, can transmit viruses that cause diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. There are many ways of keeping mosquitoes away, but not all of them are suitable for…
Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean
04/06/2026

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…
27/04/2026

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…
27/04/2026

Reference values

The chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis or in the course of occupational activities can potentially be harmful to health. ANSES develops various reference values that are of use firstly, for…
08/04/2026

One Health for living beings and ecosystems

The One Health concept offers a holistic view of health. It is based on the idea that there are close links between the health of humans, animals and plants, as well as that of ecosystems. Where does…
What is cadmium and what are the health risks?
25/03/2026

What is cadmium and what are the health risks?

Cadmium is a heavy metal that occurs naturally in soil. Agricultural and industrial activities have contributed to its increased presence in the environment. We are mainly exposed to it through our…
16/03/2026

Taking action to improve indoor air quality

In contrast to outdoor air pollution, which has received significant media attention, indoor air pollution remained relatively unknown until the early 2000s. And yet we spend most of our time in…
18/02/2026

What are the health issues associated with outdoor air pollution?

Air pollution has become one of the main challenges in public health today. Every day, multiple sources of pollution (road traffic, heating, industry, agriculture) expose us to substances that are…
18/02/2026

ANSES’s work on air quality

Air – whether outdoors or in enclosed environments – can become polluted with chemicals, particles and biological contaminants that are hazardous to health. For many years, ANSES has been focusing on…
10/02/2026

Indoor Air Quality Guidelines (IAQGs)

To deal with the health issue of indoor air quality and provide the public authorities with useful tools for managing this risk, ANSES has been working since 2004 to develop indoor air quality…

Publications