We come into daily contact with all sorts of substances such as cosmetics, household cleaners and pesticides. It is RIVM’s task to analyse the substances present in these products for their possible harmful effects on  humans and the environment. The information from such analyses is passed on to the Dutch authorities, who can take measures to protect the population and the environment. Assessment is carried out by establishing the exposure of both humans and the environment to these substances, and estimating the possible risks of exposure. RIVM also assesses and controls the quality and safety of medicines and medical technology.  

Calculating exposure to substances 
Estimating the health risks of certain products is not possible without determining the exposure to particular substances in a product. This is where the mathematical models, for example ConsExpo, developed at the RIVM come into play.

EU Dangerous Preparations Directive
Companies are legally required to deposit information at the RIVM in the Netherlands on such aspects as composition of products carrying a danger symbol. In this way RIVM can inform relief workers timely and adequately about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of poisoning caused by exposure to these products.

Signalling trends
The RIVM investigates the characteristics and frequency of poisonings, including the associated incidents caused by ‘unsafe’ products, such as packaging materials dangerous to children or products in which the composition is faulty. The RIVM also picks up possible trends for reported to the Dutch government if deemed necessary. The authorities then create and carry out policy measures to accommodate new trends. 

Tobacco lists 
Tobacco producers and importers in the Netherlands are required to submit a list of tobacco product ingredients to the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport on  an annual basis. Information on submitting this list is available (in Dutch) via the Dutch website.