Chemical substances and physical agents

As part of this work, Ineris provides national assistance on the regulatory and technical aspects of REACH and CLP on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment. These services are made available in all EU member states in order to provide businesses with information on a wide range of European regulations.

Identifying dangers

Ineris researches the chronic risks of toxicity and ecotoxicity of substances, and particularly into understanding the mechanisms and action of substances on the endocrine system.
The Institute has a broad experimental infrastructure that can handle both major chemical substances and nanometric substances.
In addition to its in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, the Institute also studies QSAR molecular modelling methods (for toxic and ecotoxic properties) and QSPR methods (for physiochemical properties) to develop alternative methods in animal testing.

Supporting substance management measures

Ineris creates toxicological and ecotoxicological profiles of substances, which serve as the basis for establishing benchmark values on the dangers linked to exposure to substances, values which are used to protect people (acute or chronic toxicity thresholds) and aquatic environments.
National and international authorities then use this work to manage and classify substances.
Ineris also contributes its expertise to the classification of substances under a range of national and international regulations (TMD, CLP, etc.).

Measuring and characterizing substances

The Institute makes use of its extensive analytic platform and its background in substance metrology to improve its methods and encourage the standardization of practices by offering methodology guides, particularly through the reference laboratories LCSQA and Aquaref.
The Institute can be mobilized to provide analysis expertise in the field in accident situations. It can also call on the Post-Accident Situation Aid Network (RIPA).
In 2011, Ineris worked with four national research laboratories (INRA, CIRAD, SCL, CNRS) to create the Public Contaminants Network (RPC), a network of public reference laboratories for analysing contaminants in the environment and food supply.

Supporting chemical substitutes

Ineris provides support for economic players working to find substitutes for the chemical substances of greatest concern.
A dedicated website set up by Ineris at the request of the Ministry of the Environment now offers information supplied by businesses on alternatives available for two groups of substances, bisphenols and phthalates.

Characterizing the effects of electromagnetic fields

Ineris has applied its competences in physics and toxicology over the years to researching risks related to radio frequencies. This research work mainly covers the biological and health-related effects of cellular telephones on the nervous system. This has helped Ineris develop expertise on measuring electromagnetic fields and designing imaging systems.
Ineris develops this expertise so that it can be used by local and national authorities as well by businesses. This research work enables Ineris to support public authorities and businesses in matters of exposure and potential impacts of electromagnetic fields. A national service for assistance on electromagnetic fields was formed at the request of the Ministry of the Environment.