The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 23% of deaths and 25% of chronic diseases worldwide can be attributed to environmental and behavioral factors. It is to respond to this problem that the French government is launching its 4th health and environment plan. “The reduction of environmental exposure affecting human health and that of ecosystems is a permanent priority, in view of the growing number of pathologies linked to the degradation of our environment and in compliance with the One Health approach”, stipulates the PNSE4. Among the key measures of this plan, the creation of a toxicscore. Explanations.
A household product yuka and a Toxiscore label
A whole section is dedicated to improve French people’s knowledge of the quality and dangerousness of products that they have at home. The government wants the information to be accessible to everyone but also easily understandable so that they can use the products safely. However, estimates the Ministry of Ecological Transition, “labeling is problematic today because it is not sufficiently legible”. On the Nutriscore model, which appears on the labels of a large number of products to be consumed (A, B, C, D, E), the government wants to establish a Toxiscore for household products. of eye if this product contains substances potentially harmful to health.
The objective is to deploy this Toxiscore in 2022, the time to define the most relevant labeling. Initially, labeling would be voluntary, like the Nutriscore which is not compulsory but widely used given its interest for the consumer. “We are undertaking significant consultation work with consumer associations and professionals in the sector to define this labeling, with a simple color code for example.we say to the Ministry of Ecological Transition. Once this display has been defined, the government will work on setting it up as part of a voluntary approach. The advisability of making it compulsory will be studied after an initial feedback.
Another concrete action that falls within this spectrum: “Building an application that allows everyone to access reliable information on the quality of their environment and practical advice for limiting their exposure“, as the Yuka application already does. The plan specifies the objective which is “to engage industrialists in the Scan4Chem mobile application project, which will allow, by scanning it, to know if an object contains extremely worrying. The goal is to encourage manufacturers to substitute these dangerous substances in everyday objects.
Controlling electromagnetic waves, understanding and limiting the use of products equipped with nanomaterials, better protecting pregnant women, improving air quality at home… This health plan tackles multiple health issues for French people and proposes a total of 15 concrete actions to achieve this.
Source: PNSE4, 4th national environmental health plan, May 7, 2021
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