RIVM advises health professionals on the effects and treatment of  acute poisoning. In addition, trends in the nature and frequency of poisoning are identified and reported to the Dutch government for use in developing policy measures. RIVM also investigates public health risks of microorganisms in food.

Poisoning
Poisoning is a reaction resulting from exposure to a poisonous or toxic substance. In fact, any substance present in excess amounts is a potential hazard to people and animals. Not only the quantity, but also the concentration and degree of exposure determine how toxic a particular substance is.

Acute poisoning
The National Poisons Information Centre carries out rapid risk analyses of the potential health hazards of  exposure of people and animals to foreign substances. The Centre operates a 24-hour  telephone service providing information to health professionals on the effects and treatment of  acute poisoning. This information service is available to health professionals in the event of accidents and disasters having  potential adverse effects on public health.

Chronic poisoning
In cases where chronic poisoning is suspected, RIVM is equipped to offer advice. On the basis of extensive information supplied by the attending physician, an RIVM medical specialist can ascertain if the symptoms fit into the clinical picture for chronic poisoning caused by the substance in question. RIVM also advises the physician on the best treatment. 

Food poisoning
Food poisoning is caused mainly by food contaminated by microorganisms and to a lesser extent by toxic substances. The Dutch government wants to protect consumers from these risks. To minimise  public health risks, RIVM has developed techniques to carry out microbiological risk analyses.

Toxic substances
RIVM uses analytic chemical methods to investigate food safety and consumer products. These investigations focus mainly on identifying residues of substances that could have an adverse effect on public health.