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.
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.
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
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.
Two calls for research projects to gain a better understanding of environmental and occupational health risks
On Monday, 16 October, as part of the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health (PNR EST), ANSES is issuing two calls for research projects, on environmental and occupational health and the theme of radiofrequencies. The aim is to gain a better understanding of issues that are still relatively unexplored, but which are considered to be of major importance to human health and ecosystems. Multidisciplinary projects incorporating socio-economic aspects and holistic approaches are eagerly awaited.
Every year in October, there is a peak in the number of mushroom poisoning cases. Certain species of mushroom are toxic and can even be fatal to humans. In 2022, two people died after mistaking toxic species for edible ones. Whether you are a connoisseur or an occasional picker, you should remain vigilant and follow good practices to ensure safe consumption.
Foot-and-mouth disease: facilitating the transport of samples from field to laboratory to identify circulating strains
ANSES has developed a simple, cost-effective method for transporting samples taken when foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is suspected. It could be used in countries that cannot apply the standard transport protocol because it is too expensive. The aim is to increase the number of samples sent to diagnostic laboratories in order to identify circulating strains and therefore combat the disease more effectively.
Head lice treatments: never use products for animals on children
On 2 October 2023, ANSES received a report involving the case of a young girl who was hospitalised in serious condition following the use of insecticides intended for treating parasites in cattle. Every year, the Agency is informed of cases where antiparasitics intended for animals are used to treat head lice in children. It reiterates that antiparasitic treatments for animals should never be used on human beings, especially children.