A method for assessing the carcinogenicity of work processes
Une méthode pour évaluer la cancérogénicité des procédés de travail
11/07/2023

A method for assessing the carcinogenicity of work processes

In addition to exposure to chemical substances and products, some occupational activities and working conditions can cause or promote the onset of cancer. ANSES has developed a methodology to assess the carcinogenicity of these work processes, in order to better prevent the associated risks to workers.
Review of ANSES’s work on prosulfocarb
Paysage de campagne
03/10/2023

Review of ANSES’s work on prosulfocarb

Prosulfocarb is one of the most widely sold herbicidal active substances in France. For several years now, ANSES has been paying close attention to the problems posed by spray drift of prosulfocarb products. For example, the Agency has examined deposits on non-target crops following prosulfocarb treatments. It has also updated its assessment of products with regard to the exposure of local residents. Below we take stock of the work carried out by ANSES since 2017.
Antimicrobial resistance in animals: bacterium/antibiotic combinations for priority monitoring
Résistance aux antibiotiques chez les animaux : des couples bactérie/antibiotique à surveiller en priorité
18/09/2023

Antimicrobial resistance in animals: bacterium/antibiotic combinations for priority monitoring

Antimicrobial resistance has been identified by the WHO as one of the major global threats to public health. The transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from animals to humans is one of the sources that can lead to therapeutic "dead-ends" in the treatment of certain diseases. ANSES has drafted a list of 11 "bacterium/antibiotic class" combinations requiring priority monitoring in animals, given the major issues for human health. This expert appraisal forms part of the preparation for the national EcoAntibio 3 plan, which aims to continue the progress already made in reducing antibiotic use in animal health.
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.
Bed bugs are a financial burden and reduce quality of life for many people in France
punaises de lit
19/07/2023

Bed bugs are a financial burden and reduce quality of life for many people in France

Between 2017 and 2022, more than one in 10 French households were infested by bed bugs. Contrary to popular belief, their presence does not indicate a lack of cleanliness, and anyone can fall victim to an infestation in their home. Moreover, bed bugs are a costly nuisance for households in metropolitan France, considering the expense of treatment and the psychological impact. The Agency therefore recommends that certain households be provided with financial assistance to cover the costs associated with exterminating bed bugs. It also recommends that professionals and private individuals favour alternative control methods instead of chemical insecticides.
How can consumers be effectively protected from foodborne E. coli infections?
Infections alimentaires à E. coli : comment protéger davantage de consommateurs ?
27/06/2023

How can consumers be effectively protected from foodborne E. coli infections?

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) bacteria can cause potentially severe foodborne infections, mainly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. In a new expert appraisal, ANSES classifies the strains of the bacterium responsible for serious forms of infection and makes recommendations for improving the monitoring of contamination risks in products before they are placed on the market. In this context, the Agency is reiterating the importance of continuing to apply good hygiene measures and comply with cooking recommendations; moreover, it notes that susceptible population groups should continue to avoid eating certain foods.
Preventing cases of Ostreopsis poisoning on the Basque coast
Ostreopsis
20/06/2023

Preventing cases of Ostreopsis poisoning on the Basque coast

Blooms of Ostreopsis microalgae have caused almost 900 cases of poisoning on the Basque coast since 2021. ANSES has recommended a series of measures to protect the populations most at risk, in particular professionals working on or near the beaches.
Improving consumer information on herbal food supplements
Compléments Alimentaires
08/06/2023

Improving consumer information on herbal food supplements

Many food supplements contain plants, particularly medicinal plants, which may pose a health risk due to possible interactions with medicines, contraindications, etc. Yet consumers are not necessarily informed of such risks. In order to avoid these adverse effects, ANSES has published an opinion and provided healthcare professionals with a tool to help them better inform their patients about 118 medicinal plants used in food supplements.
Possible emergence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in France
tique hyalomma
01/06/2023

Possible emergence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in France

Ticks of the genus Hyalomma, which have been observed in the south of France for several years, could potentially spread throughout metropolitan France as a result of climate change. These ticks can transmit Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), among other diseases. No indigenous cases have been detected in humans in France, but cases are recorded every year in Spain. In its scientific expert appraisal, ANSES confirms the risk of emergence and calls for the nationwide surveillance of these ticks.

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