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Day: 3 July 2020

Alarming new report highlights dangers of sunscreen

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/07/2020

A wide range of sunscreens for children have been found to contain “very harmful” substances, according to two French environmental associations who are calling on the government to ban some products from the market completely.
A recent report by Wecf France and Agir pour l’Environnement revealed the results of their survey of 71 sunscreens for children that are sold in supermarkets, pharmacies and organic shops.
The teams screened the ingredients lists for “substances of concern” including endocrine disruptors (EDCs), nanoparticles and allergens, based on the most recent scientific literature available.
They also analysed whether some products were in compliance with the mandatory labelling of ingredients containing nanoparticles.
“We identified 29 ingredients of concern in the 71 sunscreens for children and classified them from red for substances of very high concern, orange for substances of high concern, to yellow for substances of concern. Five substances are EDCs of very high concern,” they concluded in their report.
Alarmingly, they found that none of the 71 sunscreens tested were free from the substances of concern classified in the three categories, while nine sunscreens were identified as containing a mixture of at least 10 ingredients of concern. Three products were found to contain nanoparticles not indicated on the label and are therefore non-compliant with the cosmetics regulation.
Meanwhile, the researchers found seven substances classified of very high concern which are known to have extremely adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems.
As a result of the findings, the two groups have called on the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) to evaluate the risk-benefit of sunscreens for children – the benefits of protection from adverse effects of sunlight versus the risks resulting from the presence of chemicals of concern.
They’re also asking the government to ban the substances it has classified red (of very high concern) and found to contain EDCs, nanoparticles, and fragrance ingredients known to be contact allergens.
“We urge France to become a leader in protecting the health of children from adverse effects of EDCs, including a ban of all those substances in children’s products,” the authors said in the report, adding, “We also urge the European Commission to promptly regulate the 28 known or suspected EDCs used in cosmetics.”
They are also calling on the relevant authorities to take “strong measures” to ensure manufacturers and retailers comply with the mandatory labelling of nanoparticles in cosmetics.
Popular brands to have been found to fall in the red category are La-Roche-Posay, Biafine, Bioderma, Cien, Eucerin, Garnier, Isdin Pediatrics, Lancaster, Lovea, Mixa, Nivea and Vichy.
Meanwhile the brands Lovea bio spray, Bioregena, Praïa bio spray, Eco Cosmetics, Attitude, Acorelle and Alphanova all registered one substance only of high concern.
See the full list of products at the end of the report here.
 
 

Countdown to summer auctions

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/07/2020

Artcurial is preparing to take up its summer quarters at the Hôtel Hermitage for the Summer Auction from 16th to 21st July featuring jewellery, timepieces and the highly-anticipated Hermès Summer Collection.
In the timepiece category, The Bull Collection has put together 36 lots including highly sought after pieces from the biggest names in Swiss watchmaking including Patek Philippe and Rolex, with iconic models such as the Nautilus and the Daytona.
The ‘Temps est Féminin’ auctions will also reveal the strength and growth of the female watch market.
In jewellery, exceptional stones will feature among the most beautiful signatures of
Place Vendôme and highly coveted artists.
The Hermès Summer Collection sale will bring together the timeless Birkin, Kelly and Constance in a beautiful range of colours. A few pieces from the Louis Vuitton x Supreme capsule collection will complete the summer session.
Meanwhile, Artcurial has partnered with the Rock to offer a range of collector cars during the week of prestige sales, with almost 80 exceptional cars selected by Artcurial Motorcars on show at the Prince’s Automobile Museum.
Artcurial says it has taken all the necessary measures with the Hermitage Hotel to welcome visitors from around the world in the best hygiene conditions, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the auctions.
 
 

Casino launches world’s first connected French roulette

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/07/2020

The legendary Monte Carlo Casino is appealing to a whole new generation of players, launching on Friday the world’s first ever connected French roulette game.
For over 150 years, the Casino de Monte-Carlo has offered a unique gaming experience of unparalleled emotion in a prestigious and legendary setting.
Over the past five years, this experience has been evolving to adapt to new player demands and new target customers, while preserving the unique aspects that make Monaco’s casino so famous. This has included the Casino Nomad concept, bringing table games to entertainment venues like Blue Gin and Jimmy’s, and the revitalisation of gaming lounges in 2019 in the spirit of James Bond.
Now, Monaco’s most famous landmark has exclusively introduced the first ever digital French roulette, combining generations of Monte Carlo croupiers’ know-how and technological innovation from the contemporary world.
In addition to French roulette, two other games are also available: English roulette and electronic roulette. In the Salle des Amériques, eight individual play areas have now been set up for a new gaming experience, available from one euro.
The innovation is part of a strategy initiated by SBM CEO Jean-Luc Biamonti to revitalise casinos in Monaco.
“This is a global innovation which is already attracting a rejuvenated clientele in search of games and entertainment,” said Pascal Camia, General Director of Games. “We invite lovers of thrills and technology to come and experience this legendary game this summer.”
According to SBM, the aim is to offer “fun players” – those who play for entertainment – an opportunity to experience the mythical French roulette game, which they might otherwise dare not approach.
Players can also enjoy the casino with the peace of mind that it has implemented the Monte-Carlo Cares program, a hygiene protocol developed by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and certified by Bureau Veritas, ensuring that the most exclusive of destination in Europe is also the safest.
 
 
Photo: ©Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
 
 
 

MEB pays a working visit to the DEE

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/07/2020

The Monaco Economic Board has met with Serge Pierryves, Director of the Economic Development Department, and his colleagues to strengthen collaborations and learn more about the role of each group.
In its mission to find investors for Monaco, the MEB has a responsibility to “perfectly master the formalities and processes of business creation in Monaco,” according to a press statement released by the group on Friday. “While the Welcome Office, which reports to the DEE, is the MEB’s main point of contact, it is also important to strengthen links with other services which are in contact with new arrivals.”
As a result, the MEB is strengthening its relationships with various departments in the Principality who are responsible for all aspects of business development, in particular financial aid such as grants and funds like EUREKA, and the acquisition of holdings by the State on innovative projects created in the Principality.
The meeting between the MEB and the Direction de l’Expansion Économique (DEE) was also an opportunity for the two to discuss the experiences of businesses during the health crisis and subsequent consequences. According to the MEB, it was “a rich dialogue which made it possible to appreciate the solidity of the Monegasque economy and to design tools to promote the revival of the Principality and its capacity for resilience.”
For Guillaume Rose, Executive Director General of MEB, “it is essential that the MEB teams know the different administrative entities which are in contact with the economic actors of Monaco, their role but also the people behind them, in order to help and orient our members if necessary. It is also a knowledge base for promoting an administration which is modernising for the benefit of businesses in the Principality.”