For around two decades, artificial snow has been used by numerous winter sports resorts to ensure good snow cover at low altitude areas or more generally, to lengthen the skiing season. Biological additives derived from certain bacteria are regularly used to make artificial snow. However, the use of these additives has raised doubts concerning the potential impact on human health and the environment. In this context, the French health authorities have requested the French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Afsset) to assess the health risks resulting from the use of such additives. The health risk assessment was based on a review of the scientific literature, supplemented by professional consultations and expertise. Biological or chemical hazards from additives derived from the ice nucleation active bacterium Pseudomonas syringae were characterised. Potential health hazards to humans were considered in terms of infectious, toxic and allergenic capacities with respect to human populations liable to be exposed and the means of possible exposure. Taking into account these data, a qualitative risk assessment was carried out, according to four exposure scenarios, involving the different populations exposed, and the conditions and routes of exposure. It was concluded that certain health risks can exist for specific categories of professional workers (mainly snowmakers during additive mixing and dilution tank cleaning steps, with risks estimated to be negligible to low if workers comply with safety precautions). P. syringae does not present any pathogenic capacity to humans and that the level of its endotoxins found in artificial snow do not represent a danger beyond that of exposure to P. syringae endotoxins naturally present in snow. However, the risk of possible allergy in some particularly sensitive individuals cannot be excluded. Another important conclusion of this study concerns use of poor microbiological water quality to make artificial snow.

No abstract

No abstract

REACH fait peser sur les entreprises fabriquant ou important des produits chimiques la responsabilité de l’utilisation sécuritaire de ces derniers au sein de l’Union européenne, tant en ce qui concerne la santé humaine que l’environnement. Sous l’empire de l’ancienne réglementation, cette responsabilité incombait aux autorités administratives. REACH a donc « renversé la charge de la preuve » sur les entreprises. Cette garantie d’utilisation sécuritaire doit être consignée et démontrée dans les dossiers d’enregistrement des substances au moyen d’une information adéquate et complète ; la fourniture de données de haute qualité est requise afin de fournir une base scientifique solide à l’évaluation des risques chimiques.

No abstract