Is the European regulatory model for predicting worker exposure conservative? Comparison of predicted and measured under usual working conditions exposures in fruit growing
Introduction: Pesticide exposure increases the risk of chronic disease among farmers. Understanding exposure is necessary for epidemiological and regulatory purposes. In Europe, worker exposure is assessed during the registration process using the OPEX model, which is based on a limited number of studies, often unpublished and carried out by pesticide companies. We assessed the conservativeness of OPEX for workers performing post-application tasks (re-entry, harvesting).Methods: In 2016-2017, dermal exposure to captan/THPI and dithianon was measured in French fruit farm workers during 65 re-entry (net folding and deployment, thinning, tying) and 58 harvesting days, using patches and cotton gloves. We used linear regression to compare measured and corresponding OPEX-calculated exposure using 1) default parameters; 2) field parameters (actual task duration, measured dislodgeable foliar residues) for 20 observations.Results: Workers were exposed several days after the last application, which is not considered in the pesticide registration process. We found that the model underestimated exposure calculated with field parameters in all observations for dithianon and 60% for captan, linked to an underestimation of OPEX transfer coefficients (ratio of 0.40 for captan and 0.26 for dithianon between default and measured transfer coefficients).Discussion: When observation occurred several days after application, OPEX tended to underestimate exposure. An industry study conducted under controlled working conditions found divergent results. It seems important to include field studies conducted under usual working conditions in the registration process to ensure a truly conservative approach and to consider cumulative exposure, since post-application tasks account for around 600 working hours a year.
(Environmental Research. vol. 271, n° 0013-9351, pp. 121042, 01/04/2025)
UNICAEN Santé, UNICAEN, NU, ANTICIPE, UNICAEN, NU, CHU Caen Normandie, NU, UNICANCER/CRLC, NU, INSERM, BPH, UB, INSERM, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LABÉO, ANTICIPE, UNICAEN, NU, CHU Caen Normandie, NU, UNICANCER/CRLC, NU, INSERM, PRISMM, PLATON, UNICAEN, NU, UNICAEN, NU, UNICANCER/CRLC, NU
Enigmatic Deep‐Water Seafloor Depressions East of Tortue Island, Northern Haiti Margin
A widespread area of seafloor depressions -circular, arcuate to elongated-shaped -has been found along the Northern Haitian coast, at water depths between 600 and 2,000 m. Characterized by wavelengths spanning several hundred meters and heights of tens of meters, these depressions are linked with a series of narrow ridges boasting varied morphologies. Our analysis integrating multichannel seismic reflection, highresolution bathymetry data, and sedimentological and geochemical evaluations of surface sediment cores indicates that present-day seafloor morphology results from the interaction of slope bottom currents with the seafloor. The analyzed sediment cores exhibit hemipelagites, silty and sandy contourites, fine-grained turbidites and reworked sand layers, implying sedimentation in a contourite drift system. This is further corroborated by seismic reflection data depicting wavy reflectors and aggradational stacking features typical of contourite drifts. Seafloor depressions are likely erosional features formed on the top of a contourite drift formed by the interaction of bottom currents with an irregular seafloor morphology. The seafloor equilibrium was initially disturbed by mass-wasting events. Subsequently, the quasi-steady flow of along-slope bottom currents influenced sedimentary distribution and controlled the morphology of the seafloor depressions-constant reshaping through erosion on their flanks. The resulting rough seafloor could have facilitated the destabilization of bottom currents and the development of erosive eddies responsible for the current morphology of the seafloor depressions. This study highlights the interplay between sedimentary processes (accumulation and compaction) and bottom currents, showing how their combined effects influence slope sedimentation and seafloor geomorphology, forming unique erosional features.
Plain Language Summary Between 600 and 2,000 m of water depth, the seafloor of the northern Haiti margin presents a field of sub-vertical to elongated depressions. Scientific investigations dealing with the nature of the seafloor material and subsurface structure revealed that such peculiar seafloor morphologies are not related to fluid escape features but to the interplay between sedimentary processes and water masses currents. A submarine landslide triggered in the past has likely created a rough seafloor resulting in the destabilization of currents linked to the deep water masses, enhancing seafloor erosion and deposition.
(Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. vol. 26, pp. e2024GC012089, 01/04/2025)
iSTeP, INSU - CNRS, SU, CNRS, CY, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, IFPEN, UCM, UEH
Quantifying the relative contributions of forcings to the variability of estuarine surface suspended sediments using a machine learning framework
The influence of forcing mechanisms on the variability of suspended sediments in an estuary is, for the first time, synoptically quantified over prevailing ('normal') conditions and extreme events. This study investigates the complex and non-linear influence of tides, river discharge, and winds on the variability of suspended sediments in the macrotidal Gironde Estuary, France. Employing a machine learning-based framework, we integrated high-frequency field data, hourly numerical modeling outputs, and semi-daily satellite remote sensing to spatially quantify the relative contributions of forcing mechanisms. Our results reveal that tides are the primary driver of sediment variability (42.3–58.9%), followed by river discharge (21.2–34.7%) and wind (8.7–16.9%). Uncertainties range between 7% and 13.6%. In addition, the spatial variability of their contributions is consistent across numerical modeling and satellite remote sensing data, with differences not exceeding 10%. However, satellite data is limited by cloud cover and may miss extreme events. In contrast, hourly numerical modeling indicates tides are the dominant forcing mechanism under extreme events significantly affecting suspended sediment variability in the estuary. This study verifies the effectiveness of our machine learning approach against traditional Singular Spectral Analysis using field data. We demonstrate that machine learning techniques can effectively synthesize spatial distribution patterns of hydrodynamic and sedimentological variability, including the influence of winds. Our findings highlight not only the potential of satellite observations to analyze prevailing conditions despite data gaps but also that with hourly numerical modeling, the impact of forcings can be synoptically quantified under prevailing ('normal') conditions and extreme events.
(Continental Shelf Research. vol. 287, n° 0278-4343, pp. 105429, 01/04/2025)
DYNECO, IFREMER, LOG, INSU - CNRS, ULCO, CNRS, IRD [Ile-de-France], FURG, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, NIOZ
How scientific networks can help advancing both scientific knowledge and public policies: the case study of the “Plastics, Environment and Health” network
The “Plastics, Environment and Health” research network (groupement de recherche, GDR) created in 2019 gathers the French scientific community working on plastic pollution in all environments (soil, air, water) and their impact on ecosystems and human health. The scientific objective is to rapidly increase knowledge on plastic pollution by supporting collaboration of researchers from different fields such as ecotoxicology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, oceanography and social science. Research is carried out at each stage of the plastic life cycle, (from resource extraction all the way to removal and remediation) and across the entire air-soil-water continuum, integrating transfers of both plastic particles (macro, micro- and nanoplastics) and plastic chemicals (e.g., additives) between different environmental compartments. In this context, the GDR supports the development of multi-scale and transdisciplinary approaches across three main axes: Axis 1 - Air-soil-water continuum: contamination levels and transfer between compartments; Axis 2 - Interactions and transformation of plastics in environmental compartments and living organisms; Axis 3. Plastic pollution risk assessment for ecosystems and human health. To do so, the GDR’s actions focus on (1) training and sharing of scientific knowledge, including developments towards innovation, (2) support for collaboration and interdisciplinarity between network members, (3) dissemination, structuring of the community and its national and international influence, and (4) support for public policy and/or decision-making by strengthening the link between scientists, decision-makers and the plastic industry. To date the research network includes more than 50 laboratories spread across France and over 300 scientists in the field of physics, chemistry, biology, ecology and social sciences. Such a network constitutes a powerful tool to build robust science-based knowledge significantly contributing to the international effort, to disseminate state-of-the-art scientific advances and research priorities needed to tackle plastic pollution to Society and to inform policy makers. This talk will present the French taskforce addressing 'Plastic, Environment, and Health' within the national research network, where the entire community works collaboratively to tackle the urgent challenges of plastic pollution, its environmental consequences, and the associated risks to human health. We will also discuss the importance of building a French-speaking community to support multilingualism in international political science interactions.
(25/03/2025)
LEMAR, IRD, IFREMER, UBO EPE, CNRS, IPREM, UPPA, INC-CNRS, CNRS, MMV, L2C, CNRS, UM, LSAl, ANSES, iEES Paris, IRD, SU, UPEC UP12, CNRS, INRAE, GERS-LEE, ToxAlim, ENVT, Toulouse INP, Comue de Toulouse, Toulouse INP, Comue de Toulouse, INRAE, EPE UT, Comue de Toulouse, EI Purpan, Comue de Toulouse, LOMIC, INSU - CNRS, SU, CNRS, OOB, SU, CNRS, Softmat, INC-CNRS, CNRS, EPE UT, Comue de Toulouse, ICT, IRD, INC-CNRS, CNRS, Toulouse INP, Comue de Toulouse, EPE UT, Comue de Toulouse, IMMM, UM, INC-CNRS, CNRS, IRDL, ENIB, UBO EPE, Bretagne INP, UBS, UBO EPE, CNRS, ENSTA, IP Paris, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UMR MARBEC, IRD, IFREMER, CNRS, UM
Simulating Shoreline and Nearshore Changes: The LX-ST Model
This paper presents LX-ST, a numerical model that simulates shoreline and nearshore evolution over medium-to long-term timescales across diverse sandy coastal environments. It combines the reduced-complexity shoreline model LX-Shore with the shoreface profile translation tool ShoreTrans, enabling it to capture shoreline changes and 3D nearshore morphology. LX-ST accounts for sea-level rise, sediment transport, complex features like artificial structures (e.g., seawalls, groynes), and natural morphologies (e.g., dunes and barriers). The model is tested on synthetic cases, demonstrating its ability to simulate complex coastal configurations. It is then applied to a 5-km beach-dune system in southwest France, which includes a 1.2-km-long seawall. Results show good agreement with observed past shoreline changes and reveal how LX-ST can predict future coastal trajectory shifts, including the eventual retreat and potential disappearance of the beach fronting the seawall. These findings underscore the model's utility in forecasting shoreline
(25/03/2025)
BRGM, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, BW-CGC
Gloves Standards and Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs in the European Context
ABSTRACT Background and Aims Over 12 million healthcare professionals in Europe are exposed to hazardous medicinal products, including antineoplastic drugs. Dermal route is recognized as the primary route of exposure to antineoplastic drugs, emphasizing the critical importance of skin protection provided by gloves, which necessitates a careful and specific selection process. This study aims to compare the current European standard EN 16523‐1:2015 + A1:2018 with the ASTM D6978‐05(2023) standard used in the United States. Methods Firstly, the three main performance parameters to consider when selecting gloves are described: standardized breakthrough time, standardized permeation rate, and cumulative permeation. Subsequently, the current European and American standards are compared based on the following criteria: part of the glove tested, substances tested, standardized permeation rate, test duration, test temperature, and the information provided on the glove packaging. Additionally, and with a focus on safety, clear examples of how to interpret graphical symbols and indications available on glove packaging are provided to enhance the transferability of the information contained in this study to healthcare settings. Results There is a significant disparity between the requirements of the two standards. Indeed, the only European standard applicable in the context of glove permeation by antineoplastic drugs requires a standardized permeation rate 100 times less stringent than the American standard and does not include any hazardous drugs in its list of substances to be tested. By proposing a list of 24 antineoplastic drugs to be tested, a test temperature of 35 ± 2°C (compared with 23 ± 1°C in the European standard), and by specifically targeting the thinnest part of the glove, the American standard is closer to real‐world conditions of use compared to its European counterpart. Conclusion This study underscores the limitations of current European standard, advocating for regulatory updates to better protect healthcare professionals, while emphasizing the complexity of selecting appropriate gloves for antineoplastic and hazardous drug exposure. Clinical Trial Registration Not concerned.
(Health Science Reports. vol. 8, n° 2398-8835, 24/03/2025)
IRSET-ESTER, Irset, UA, UR, EHESP, INSERM, Biosit : Biologie - Santé - Innovation Technologique, BPH, UB, INSERM, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Plant Community Responses to Climate Change: The Importance of Ecological Context Dependencies
(Journal of Vegetation Science. vol. 36, n° 1100-9233, 21/03/2025)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, IB / CAS, CAS, EDYSAN, UPJV, CNRS
Paucibranchia glemareci sp. nov. (Annelida, Eunicidae), a new species from the French Atlantic continental shelf
In this study, we describe a new species belonging to the genus Paucibranchia Molina-Acevedo, 2018 found in the area “La Grande Vasière” on the French Atlantic continental shelf (Bay of Biscay). Paucibranchia glemareci sp. nov. lives between 100 and 130 m depth on muddy sands. It is easily distinguished from most other European species of the genus by the absence of compound spinigerous chaetae. A key to the European species of the genus Paucibranchia is given.
(Zookeys. vol. 1232, n° 1313-2989, pp. 187-203, 18/03/2025)
LEMAR, IRD, IFREMER, UBO EPE, CNRS, IUEM, IRD, INSU - CNRS, UBO EPE, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UMS POREA, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, INRAE
Records of vegetation and South Asian summer monsoon dynamics in the Bay of Bengal during the current and last interglacial periods
While it is accepted that the tropical hydrological cycle has intensified during past interglacial periods due to changes in insolation, greenhouse gases, and ice volume, variations in the intensity and spatial distribution of rainfall in the South Asian monsoon domain, as well as the respective influence of these forcings during past warm periods, remain uncertain. Here, we present a pollen record from the Bay of Bengal (IODP Site U1446, located off the Mahanadi river exit, outside the influence of the Bengal fan) that allows reconstruction of vegetation changes in the core monsoon zone of India during two warm periods, the current and last interglacial periods. We compare the data with numerical model simulations (HadCM3 and LOVECLIM1.3) to assess the influence of different forcing mechanisms on the response of summer monsoon rainfall during past interglacials characterized by different levels of warming (Clément et al., 2024). We also present a pollen record from cores (SO93) taken at 16°N from the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (G-B-M) river-fed Bengal fan, covering the current interglacial period.Results from IODP Site U1446 show tropical forest expansion between 11.7-5 ka and 127-120 ka, defining two Indian humid periods, with the last interglacial showing the strongest monsoon activity, consistent with salinity reconstructions. During the last five millennia of both interglacial periods, moist tropical forest largely declined in favor of savanna marking a significant decrease in summer monsoon rainfall. Although the pollen assemblages from sites SO93 and U1446 show substantial differences in Holocene vegetation cover between the basins, the maximum expansion of the evergreen component of the tropical forest is recorded contemporaneously in both sequences. This suggests a similar Holocene evolution of the summer monsoon from central to northern India. The model-data comparison highlights boreal summer insolation as the primary driver of vegetation dynamics and monsoon intensity during interglacial periods, with CO2 and ice-sheets having a limited effect. These results also show that vegetation remains unaffected by pre-industrial CO2 variations above 250 ppmv, a threshold value that characterizes most interglacials of the last million years.Clément, C., Martinez, P., Yin, Q., Clemens, S., Thirumalai, K., Prasad, S., Anupama, K., Su, Q., Lyu, A., Grémare, A., Desprat, S., 2024. Greening of India and revival of the South Asian summer monsoon in a warmer world. Commun. Earth Environ. 5, 685.
(pp. 9895, 18/03/2025)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ELI, UCL, UL, CRPG, INSU - CNRS, UL, CNRS, IFP, MEAE, CNRS, UCL, Bordeaux INP, WHOI
Fault segmentation, geometry and recent activity in the epicentral area of the 1956 Mw 7.5 Amorgos earthquake (Greece)
The Amorgos-Santorini region (Hellenic Volcanic Arc, Greece), suffered the most powerful earthquake in the Mediterranean in the 20th century (1956, Mw ~7.5). This event caused casualties, severe damage and a large tsunami. The epicentral area is offshore and is characterized by several basins bounded by submarine faults accommodating back-arc extension and the Anatolian extrusion. Recently, the Amorgos fault was identified as the causative fault of the 1956 Amorgos earthquake. However, the characteristics of this fault, such as its detailed geometry, segmentation and kinematics remain unclear and debated. Using new high-resolution bathymetric data and sediment cores, we present a detailed mapping of this fault and its neighbors.The Amorgos fault is composed of three segments separated by relay zones. Taking into account the onshore geology, where E-W striking late Miocene normal faults are mapped, the segmentation could be controlled by structural heritage. Offshore, all but the southernmost segments of the Amorgos fault exhibit cumulative scarps of at least 700 m in relief. The segments strike NE-SW, except for the northern one that displays a curved structure in its middle, at 60° with respect to the main fault (E-W striking).The central segment, where evidences of the 1956 earthquake rupture were found, is composed of several secondary faults that offset young geomorphic features at the seafloor (such as mass-wasting scars) with purely normal kinematics. In comparison, the curved northern segment shows fewer secondary faults, none of them offsetting the numerous mass-wasting scars observed along its trace. We also find here secondary NE-SW faults that are crosscutting its cumulative scarps, and are offsetting the Last Glacial Maximum wave-cut platform by up to 5 meters, testifying for their recent activity. These observations question the role of the northern E-W striking segment in the accommodation of the present-day stress regime (NW-SE extension), that may be now inactive, or activated as a strike-slip fault, although we do not observe markers laterally offset. We discuss how the geometry and segmentation of the Amorgos fault can impact the rupture propagation, especially in relation to the 1956 earthquake and morphology of the nearby faults.
(pp. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16612, 15/03/2025)
GEOAZUR 7329, INSU - CNRS, UniCA, CNRS, IRD [Occitanie], UniCA, GEGENA, URCA, Inrap, MSH-URCA, URCA, IPGP - UMR_7154, INSU - CNRS, IGN, UR, IPG Paris, CNRS, UPCité, NKUA, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LGENS, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ENS-PSL, PSL