In an expert report, ANSES reveals that chemical substances of concern have been identified in pens, glue, pencils or notebooks. It recommends that consumers favor supplies that do not contain artifice.
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The National Health Security Agency (ANSES) alerts, in an expert report published Thursday, July 7, on the presence of dangerous chemical substances in many supplies used at school, at home or in the office, all brands combined.
These worrying chemical substances (phthalates, chloroform or even bisphenol) have been identified in pens, glues, pencils, correctors but also notebooks. They can, for some of them, cause health effects when they are inhaled, ingested or simply in contact with the skin.
The Agency points to the fact that these supplies are used on a daily basis, in particular by children, who can put them in their mouths. It calls for extending European regulations on toys to these supplies, which are not currently subject to specific rules.
Furthermore, ANSES recommends that consumers give preference to supplies that do not contain fragrances, glitter or other artifice. The Agency also asks manufacturers to remove these products and calls for the strengthening of controls.
The expert appraisal published by ANSES is based on several studies already published in the past by consumer associations and professional federations of manufacturers and distributors: the Danish EPA (Danish Environmental Protection Agency), the ‘Ademe, UFC-Que Choisir or even 60 Million Consumers).