News | RIVM

Chance of smog from ozone in the south and center of the Netherlands on Saturday

On Saturday 21 June 2025, the air quality in the south and center of the Netherlands will be ‘poor’ due to smog due to ozone. This may cause discomfort for people who are sensitive to smog.

More and more adults drinking little alcohol or not at all

More and more adults are drinking no alcohol, or no more than one glass a day. Whereas 38 per cent drank little to no alcohol in 2012, this percentage rose to 45 per cent in 2024.

Vaccination coverage decreased slightly among babies and toddlers, while HPV vaccination coverage rose

The percentage of babies and toddlers that were vaccinated in the framework of the National Immunisation Programme appears to have decreased slightly compared to last year. During the same period, there was a clear increase in vaccination coverage for the HPV vaccination, which children receive around the age of 10 years.

Excise duty increase prompted 7% of smokers to quit in 2024, significant growth in purchases made abroad

About 7% of smokers quit after the 2024 increase in excise duty. Another 16% attempted to quit, 22% started smoking less, and 14% switched to an alternative, such as a cheaper brand of cigarettes. This is apparent from a RIVM study into the effects of this tax increase.

One adult in the Netherlands has died from measles

It was reported today that an adult in the Netherlands has died from measles this week. The deceased patient had a severe immune disorder, leading to insufficient protection against this infectious disease. The patient was admitted to hospital with measles 2 weeks ago. Even after the Municipal Health Services (GGDs) conducted source tracing, where the person contracted measles is still unknown.

Chance of smog from ozone in the whole of the Netherlands

On Friday 13 June 2025, the air quality in the whole of the Netherlands will be ‘poor’ due to smog due to ozone. This may cause discomfort for people who are sensitive to smog. RIVM advises them to stay indoors and limit strenuous physical activity. This advice is most relevant in the late afternoon and early evening, when the air will be most polluted.

New nicotine sticks contain harmful amounts of nicotine

RIVM has investigated the nicotine levels coming from nicotine sticks without tobacco. The nicotine levels coming from these products were 18 to 25 times higher than the value recommended by RIVM. Above this recommended value, adverse health effects are expected for nicotine.

RIVM virologist Chantal Reusken appointed professor at Utrecht University

Chantal Reusken, virologist and principal expert in virology at the Netherlands Centre for Infectious Disease Control at RIVM, has been appointed professor at Utrecht University.

National Heatwave Plan evaluation: substantial attenuation in risk of dying from heat since 2010

The risk of dying on hot days has substantially attenuated since 2010 in the Netherlands. The estimated number of heat-related deaths decreased from 7,000 in the 2000–2009 period to 4,300 in the 2010–2019 period. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.

Anne Kienhuis appointed Professor of Toxicology in Transition at Utrecht University

Utrecht University has appointed Anne Kienhuis, senior scientist at RIVM, as Professor of Toxicology in Transition at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with effect from 1 June 2025. From this chair Kienhuis contributes to various transitions in toxicology, such as the transition to animal-free innovations.

Proefdiervrij, Sophie Blommers