New crisis response organisation at RIVM to control future pandemics The cabinet has agreed to the proposal of Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, to set up a National Functionality for Infectious Disease Control (LFI).
Flu vaccination also available for pregnant women as of this autumn Every year, people aged 60+ and people with certain medical conditions can get the free flu vaccination. On the recommendation of the Health Council of the Netherlands, the free flu vaccination will now also be made available to pregnant women.
Air quality improved, not everywhere below limit values In recent years there has been a decline in the average concentrations of fine particulates and nitrogen dioxide.
Measures EU cities against effects of climate change Some European cities have developed effective policies to adapt to more frequent wet and dry periods forecast for the years ahead, as a result of climate change.
Further research into hazards posed by e-cigarettes Safety of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) cannot be confirmed because of the limited amount of published research in this area.
Regulation of nanomaterials needs more than definition alone In a new publication, RIVM indicates scientific challenges in the use of the EU definition for nanomaterial in legislation.