Reducing environmental risks is the objective of the 3rd National Health and Environment Plan (PNSE). In particular, it proposes to strengthen the monitoring of pesticides and bisphenol A.
Prevention and surveillance: these seem to be the two watchwords of the third National Health and Environment Plan (PNSE) 2015-2019. Presented on November 12 to the Council of Ministers by the Minister of Ecology Ségolène Royal, it outlines several actions to be taken to reduce the risks associated with the environment.
Nanomaterials: strengthening regulations
The main action detailed in the 2015-2019 PNSE, consulted by our colleagues from Parisian, targets nanomaterials. In May 2014, the Health Security Agency (ANSES) expressed its concerns in a report. It recommends listing these materials, which are measured in nanometers, in the European CLP (classification, labeling, packaging) framework for chemical substances. The concern is justified since they are found everywhere: sunscreen, toothpaste, textiles… and even food! For example, titanium dioxide is used as a white colorant (E171) in some yogurts.
ANSES refers to “growth delays, malformations or abnormalities in development or reproduction in model species”, but also “effects on the central nervous system, immunosuppression phenomena, hypersensitivity reactions and allergy. And their effects between 1 and 100 nanometers are still unknown.
Acting on these observations, a version of the PNSE intended for public consultation suggested strengthening the European regulation on nanomaterials, in particular on their traceability and exposure. For the moment, only labeling announcing their presence will be mandatory, as of December 2014.
Endocrine disruptors: limit their use
Endocrine disruptors (parabens, bisphenol A, etc.) are also at the heart of the battle. Bisphenol A is banned in products intended for feeding babies… but not in toys that they can still wear in their mouths. The PNSE therefore suggests setting up systems to verify their presence or absence. The implementation of the national strategy is also present in the list of actions; In particular, it includes the ban on the use of bisphenol A in thermal paper (sales receipts, bank receipts, etc.), planned for January 2015.
Moreover, a section of the PNSE proposes to assess more precisely their danger and exposure, to identify the endocrine disrupting nature of substances and finally to “support the adoption of a definition and European regulatory criteria on disruptors. endocrine. “
Air quality: increased monitoring
Finally, the PNSE is interested in air quality. The fight against allergies is one of them since an entry mentions the reporting of allergens on plant information sheets. The level of pesticides should also be better monitored. Hitherto assessed in water and food, it should also be assessed in air. The PNSE proposes an assiduous surveillance in the rural environment, and the setting up of a national exploratory campaign. Because many studies have proven it: the spreading of pesticides involves many risks, for the health of farmers and the general population. Moreover, a law passed last July limited the spreading of pesticides around schools.
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