Setting of French indoor air quality guidelines for chronic exposure to benzene

International audienceIndoor air quality guidelines (IAQGs) provide safe levels of indoor pollutant concentrations below which adverse health effects are not expected to occur in the general population, including susceptible groups. The development of French IAQGs has been on-going since 2005 in the framework of the National Environment and Health Action Plan (NEHAP, 2004-2008). According to toxicological and epidemiological data, benzene inhalation leads to acute and chronic effects. For long-term exposure, haematological effects and leukaemia have been observed in the Pliofilm cohort. Benzene is classified as carcinogenic for humans and its genotoxic effects have been demonstrated. Considering non carcinogenic effects and available toxicological reference values for benzene, the IAQG of 10 micro g.m-3 is proposed to protect the general population for long-term exposure. To protect from carcinogenic effects, the proposed IAQGs are based on WHO's potency slope factor: 2 and 0.2 micro g.m-3 respectively associated with an excess lifetime risk of 10-5 and 10-6

Mould in indoor environments: The role of heating, ventilation and fuel poverty. A French perspective

International audienceThis paper is based largely on an expert assessment on mould in indoor environments carried out by the French agency for food, and environmental and occupational health and safety (ANSES), within the national Action Plan on Indoor Air Quality. The aim is to provide an overview of the knowledge of indoor mould in France, to determine the factors influencing mould in buildings from an energy perspective, and to investigate the link with regulations dealing with housing construction and refurbishment. The purpose of the assessment is, ultimately, to make recommendations as to how to reduce the presence of mould in indoor environments.The paper is the result of an analysis of different kinds of data and is not a systematic review of the existing literature on indoor mould. We used data from surveys investigating mould contamination in indoor environments in France and academic publications focusing on energy issues, fuel poverty, building material, and their consequences on mould development. The data also drew on hearings with French stakeholders and an international consultation with national agencies and authorities.The results show that visible mould is estimated to be present in between 14 and 20% of dwellings in France, a number that is largely due to the fact that old dwellings do not respect thermal and ventilation regulations and that occupants' socio-economic characteristics can lead to fuel poverty or situations of overcrowding. The lack of a specific regulatory framework concerning mould prevention and remediation in France is highlighted by the stakeholders’ answers and experience in other countries (in particular the Nordic countries).The recommendations in the article insist on coherence between thermal regulations and the risk of mould development, development of training for professionals, and control of constructions. Propositions for management strategies concerning assessment of exposure are also presented

Outdoor Mold and Respiratory Health: State of Science of Epidemiological Studies

The members of the ANSES expert assessment "Etat des connaissances relatif à l'impact sanitaire de l'exposition aux moisissures présentes dans l'air ambiant sur la population générale française et recommandations en matière de surveillance nationale?" are as follows: S. Achard (Paris University, Paris, France), V. Bex (SPSE, Paris, France), D. Caillaud (CHU Clermont-Ferrand, France), J. Dupont (Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universit?s, Paris, France), E. Frealle (CHU Lille, France), B. Leynaert (INSERM, Paris, France), I. Thaon (CHU Nancy, France), M. Keirsbulck (ANSES, Paris, France), and C. Leger (ANSES, Paris, France). D. Caillaud and B. Leynaert were members, and M. Keirsbulck and C. Leger coordinated the ANSES expert assessment.International audienceBackground: Fungal spores are the predominant biological particulates in outdoor air. However, in contrast to pollens or outdoor air pollution, little is known about their respiratory health risks. Objectives: The objectives were to conduct the first review of epidemiological studies on the short- and long-term effects of outdoor mold exposure on respiratory health in children and adults. Methods: Health outcomes included asthma, lung function, and rhinitis. Cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological studies using quantitative measures of outdoor mold exposure (optical microscopy, culture-based methods) were selected, providing that important confounding factors including temporal trends or meteorological factors were accounted for. A systematic literature search was performed up to June 2020, leading to the selection of 37 publications. Results: Most studies were longitudinal and investigated short-term effects. There is evidence of an association between outdoor fungal exposure and an increase in asthma exacerbation among children for total spores, 2 phyla (ascomycetes, basidiomycetes), and 2 taxa (Cladosporium, Alternaria). A few studies also suggested an association for Coprinus, Ganoderma, Aspergillus-Penicillium, Botrytis, and Epicoccum in children, but this needs to be confirmed. Some studies reported mold associations with rhinitis, lung function, and among adults, but these were few in number or inconsistent. Discussion: Further ecological studies in different regions that measure exposure to all taxa over several years are required to better understand their impact on rhinitis, asthma exacerbations and lung function. Larger panel studies are necessary to identify threshold effects in susceptible individuals. Finally, further research should assess the long-term effects of outdoor mold

Mould in indoor environments: The role of heating, ventilation and fuel poverty. A French perspective

International audienceThis paper is based largely on an expert assessment on mould in indoor environments carried out by the French agency for food, and environmental and occupational health and safety (ANSES), within the national Action Plan on Indoor Air Quality. The aim is to provide an overview of the knowledge of indoor mould in France, to determine the factors influencing mould in buildings from an energy perspective, and to investigate the link with regulations dealing with housing construction and refurbishment. The purpose of the assessment is, ultimately, to make recommendations as to how to reduce the presence of mould in indoor environments.The paper is the result of an analysis of different kinds of data and is not a systematic review of the existing literature on indoor mould. We used data from surveys investigating mould contamination in indoor environments in France and academic publications focusing on energy issues, fuel poverty, building material, and their consequences on mould development. The data also drew on hearings with French stakeholders and an international consultation with national agencies and authorities.The results show that visible mould is estimated to be present in between 14 and 20% of dwellings in France, a number that is largely due to the fact that old dwellings do not respect thermal and ventilation regulations and that occupants' socio-economic characteristics can lead to fuel poverty or situations of overcrowding. The lack of a specific regulatory framework concerning mould prevention and remediation in France is highlighted by the stakeholders’ answers and experience in other countries (in particular the Nordic countries).The recommendations in the article insist on coherence between thermal regulations and the risk of mould development, development of training for professionals, and control of constructions. Propositions for management strategies concerning assessment of exposure are also presented

Inputs of total and labile trace metals from wastewater treatment plants effluents to the Seine River

International audienceThe Seine river basin has long been impacted by metal inputs from the Paris area, but the water quality has been gradually improving for the last 20 years. Among all metal pollution sources (surface runoff, industries), urban wastewater discharge has been shown to significantly contribute, during low-flow periods, to metal fluxes of the River Seine. This paper assesses the current wastewater contribution to metal inputs in the Seine river basin, based on sampling of nine wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Seven metals were targeted (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb) during dry weather periods. Since total and dissolved concentrations alone are not relevant enough for an ecological risk assessment, labile metals (free + weekly complexed) were also measured by means of DGT (diffusive gradient in thin film technique). Results show that WWTPs greatly reduce total metal concentrations but reduce labile metal concentrations only slightly. Estimations made for direct total metal inputs in the River Seine via treated effluent discharge confirm the decrease observed for the 1994-1995 period. Labile metals released by WWTP were also considered by comparing fluxes in the effluent discharge of two different WWTPs to those flowing in the receiving river. Fluxes discharged by the largest plant were similar to those measured in the river during low-flow periods whereas they were negligible for the smaller one. Nevertheless, labile metal concentrations in both discharges were similar and the wastewater discharge's contribution to labile fluxes in receiving waters seems to depend mostly on the relative significance of the discharge flow compared to the receiving water flo

Indoor mould exposure, asthma and rhinitis: findings from systematic reviews and recent longitudinal studies

International audienceStarting from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and World Health Organization (WHO) reports, this review provides an overview of the literature published from 2006 to 2017 on the associations between indoor mould exposure and asthma and rhinitis separately in children and adults with a focus on longitudinal epidemiological studies.A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was performed, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, longitudinal, incident case–control and panel studies. 61 publications were identified reporting visible mould or mould odour or quantitative assessment of culturable fungi or mould species.In children, visible mould and mould odour were associated with the development and exacerbations of asthma, providing sufficient evidence of a causal relationship. Results from population-based studies in adults were too few and divergent to conclude at more than a limited level of evidence. Exposure to mould in a work building was associated with the incidence and exacerbations of occupational asthma, and we concluded at a sufficient evidence for an association. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and longitudinal studies on the relationships between mould exposure and allergic rhinitis provide sufficient evidence of an association.This review extended the conclusions of the IOM and WHO reports, and highlighted the need for further longitudinal studies on asthma in adults, and on rhinitis

Indoor mould exposure, asthma and rhinitis: findings from systematic reviews and recent longitudinal studies

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Analyse des fractions granulométriques utilisées pour l’évaluation des expositions par inhalationd’aérosols - Pertinence et comparaison des fractions environnementales - PM10 , PM2,5 - et professionnelles - inhalable, thoracique, alvéolaire

Citation suggérée : Anses. (2023). Analyse des fractions granulométriques utilisées pour l’évaluation des expositions par inhalation d’aérosols. Pertinence et comparaison des fractions environnementales - PM10, PM2,5 - et professionnelles - inhalable, thoracique, alvéolaire-. (saisine 2018-SA-0076). Maisons-Alfort : Anses, 177 p.Il existe un grand nombre de termes utilisés couramment dans la littérature scientifique et dansla réglementation pour décrire et étudier la pollution atmosphérique particulaire. Le termegénérique « aérosols » désigne un mélange de particules solides et/ou liquides en suspensiondans un milieu gazeux. Les particules sont habituellement classées par taille en fonction deleur diamètre aérodynamique équivalent et réparties statistiquement sous forme de distributions granulométriques. Le diamètre aérodynamique permet de différencier les particules qui sédimentent rapidement de celles qui peuvent pénétrer facilement dans les voies respiratoires.La proportion de matière particulaire qui est inhalée par un être humain dépend des propriétésdes particules dont la taille mais également de la vitesse et de la direction de l’air près du corpsainsi que de la fréquence respiratoire et du mode de respiration (par le nez ou par la bouche).Les particules inhalées peuvent alors soit se déposer dans différents compartiments des voiesrespiratoires soit être éliminées. Le site de dépôt et la probabilité d’expiration dépendent entreautres des propriétés des particules, des voies respiratoires et du régime respiratoire. D´unepersonne à l´autre, une variation importante de la probabilité d´inhalation, de dépôt, de réaction au dépôt, et d´élimination des particules est observée.La surveillance des particules dans l’air ambiant ou l’air des lieux de travail, à des fins d’évaluation de l’exposition de la population générale et/ou professionnelle, nécessite des méthodes reproductibles de prélèvement des aérosols et permettant de prélever des fractions d’aérosols pertinentes au regard des effets sanitaires. Des conventions ont donc été établies pour l´échantillonnage sélectif en taille des particules en suspension dans l’air. Il s’agit despécifications pour les échantillonneurs en terme d’efficacité de prélèvement en fonction dudiamètre aérodynamique des particules.La surveillance des particules dans l’air ambiant prend communément en considération lesfractions d’aérosol appelées PM10 et PM2,5 (norme NF EN 12341).La surveillance des expositions professionnelles aux agents chimiques sous forme d’aérosolsprend en considération différentes fractions massiques particulaires : inhalable, thoracique etalvéolaire. Ces fractions sont définies (normes NF EN 481 et NF ISO 7708) en relation avec la probabilité de pénétration des particules dans le tractus respiratoire, cette probabilité étantcroissante avec la diminution de la taille des particules.Les référentiels d’évaluation des expositions aux particules par inhalation diffèrent suivant lecadre réglementaire et s’appuient sur ces conventions d’échantillonnage :• S’agissant de la population générale, l’article R221-1 du Code de l’environnement définit les termes et « normes de qualité de l’air »1 établies par polluant dans le cadre de la surveillance de la qualité de l'air ambiant qui pour les particules s’appliquent aux fractions granulométriques PM10 et PM2,5;• S’agissant de la qualité de l’air auquel sont exposés les travailleurs dans des locaux à pollution spécifique, l’article R4222-10 du Code du travail définit les valeurs limites de « concentrations moyennes en poussières totales et alvéolaires » à respecter.A l’occasion de différents travaux d’expertise conduits par l’Anses, les scientifiques se sont heurtés aux difficultés liées à la coexistence de ces référentiels différents pour caractériser la pollution atmosphérique particulaire et les risques sanitaires qui en résultent, selon que les travaux s’intéressaient à la population générale ou aux travailleurs. Est ainsi soulevée la question de la pertinence tant du point de vue scientifique que du point de vue réglementaire des caractéristiques de ces deux référentiels d’évaluation des expositions

Setting of French Indoor Air quality guidelines for benzene

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Construction de VGAI mélange : Étude de cas pour un mélange de substances irritantes: Avis de l’AnsesRapport d’expertise collective

Citation suggérée :Anses. (2022). Construction de VGAI mélange : Etude de cas pour un mélange de substancesirritantes. (autosaisine n°2016-SA-0101). Maisons-Alfort : Anses, 183 p.La question de l’exposition de l’humain à des mélanges et du risque associé potentiel pour la santé se pose depuis de nombreuses années. Des documents et recommandations institutionnels sont notamment publiés depuis les années 2000 pour la prise en compte des mélanges, principalement dans le cadre d’évaluation des risques sur la santé (US EPA, 2000 ; 2002 ; 2006 ; ILSI, 1999; ATSDR, 2001 ; 2004; Health Council of the Netherlands, 2002; IGHRC, 2008; EFSA, 2008 ; 2009 ; 2013; WHO-IPCS, 2009; Kortenkamp et al., 2009; SCHER, 2011).Dans le domaine des substances chimiques, le nombre de composés enregistrés par le ChemicalAbstract Service (CAS) était de 34 millions en 2008 (Stewart and Carter, 2009). En 2018, plus de17 000 substances individuelles avaient été enregistrées dans le cadre de la réglementationeuropéenne REACh (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) (règlementn°1907/2006). Le nombre exact de substances chimiques sur le marché de l’Union européenne n’est pas connu précisément mais l’agence européenne des substances chimiques (ECHA) l’estimait en 2017 à près de 140 000 substances (https://echa.europa.eu/fr/registration-statistics-infograph#).Les contaminations environnementales (air, eau, sols etc.) par les substances chimiques peuventrésulter notamment : (i) des procédés de fabrication conduisant à des émissions potentielles dans l’air, l’eau et/ou les sols ; (ii) de l’utilisation de produits de consommation contenant des substances chimiques dans la vie quotidienne ; (iii) des émissions issues non intentionnellement de la combustion ; (iv) de la persistance dans l’environnement de substances qui peuvent être interdites à présent par la réglementation, etc.La gestion des risques liés aux substances chimiques est encadrée, d’une part par le règlementREACh, et d’autre part, par des réglementations par milieux (eau, air, etc.) et sectorielles(médicaments, cosmétiques, biocides, etc.), d’où découlent des analyses de risques séparées(Evans et al., 2016). Concernant les mélanges de substances chimiques, il existe dans certaines de ces réglementations des référentiels de gestion des risques cumulés proposant une approcheprogressive par étape. C’est le cas pour l’exposition via l’alimentation (résidus de pesticides et eaux destinées à la consommation humaine) et pour l’étude de l’impact d’installations industrielles sur l’environnement et le voisinage.La question des mélanges, si elle reste complexe, peut donc aujourd’hui être prise en compte dans les démarches d’expertise, compte tenu de l’existence de savoir-faire et de développement de modèles simplifiés faisant relativement consensus. Des recommandations d’organismesinstitutionnels (United States Environment Protection Agency (US-EPA), Agency for ToxicSubstances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), ScientificCommittee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER)) soulignent l’importance de leur mise enapplication et formalisent des approches méthodologiques prenant en compte ou non lesinteractions entre les contaminants