Radiation may be detrimental to human health. To protect the population from harmful health effects, RIVM supports the Dutch government with research and measurements for both normal conditions and cases of nuclear accidents.

Radiation occurring under normal conditions
Radioactive substances and appliances like X-ray machines emit ionising radiation. Ionising radiation is inherent to our environment, coming from outer space, from radon evaporating from the soil and from building materials. In contributing to the development of Dutch radiation policy, RIVM surveys the radiation exposure under various conditions: for instance, the health effects of inhaling indoor radon (in Dutch only), exposure during medical examinations and exposure caused by industrial emissions. RIVM combines literature surveys, measurements and model calculations describing the source-risk chain. RIVM performs both on-site control and laboratory measurements for the Dutch radiation inspectorate. Two of the EU projects in which RIVM’s scientific research is embedded are the project on low-dose radiation effects and the project for further development of a two-mutation-cancer model.

RIVM measures and analyses solar ultraviolet, non-ionising, radiation in order to assess the effect of ozone depletion on human health and the environment. We also participate in the development of a European UV database. RIVM investigates exposure to magnetic fields near electricity power lines (in Dutch only) and exposure to radio-frequent radiation from mobile phones, and radio and TV broadcasting.

Nuclear accidents
RIVM operates an early warning system known as the National Radioactivity Monitoring Network, which monitors the ambient radiation levels on a 24-hour basis. In the event of a nuclear accident, RIVM will cooperate with other organisations to provide essential information to the Dutch government's crisis team on the level and extent of the radiation. Such information is based on model calculations, data from the monitoring network and data collected by on-site mobile teams. RIVM also advises on the treatment of radiation casualties (in Dutch only).