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In the European Union, the definition of nanomaterial varies according to the industry sector. The European Commission launched a public consultation to revise the definition of nanomaterial with a view to possible harmonisation. In its response, ANSES urged the Commission not to exclude from this definition certain nanomaterials that could still be problematic for human health and the environment.

ANSES recently conducted a scientific expert appraisal on prostate cancer associated with occupational exposure to pesticides, with a focus on chlordecone, in view of the specific situation in the French Caribbean. This is the Agency's first report for its new expert appraisal mission on the recognition of occupational diseases. It highlights the great diversity of occupational situations involving exposure to pesticides in France, in both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The expert appraisal concluded that there was a probable causal relationship between the risk of prostate cancer and exposure to pesticides including chlordecone. The scientific evidence developed in this expert appraisal provides grounds for the creation of an occupational disease list in the agricultural and general social security schemes.