Limited consideration of combination effects of hazardous substances when granting SVHC permits The harmful effect of a combination of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs or Zeer Zorgwekkende Stoffen, ZZS)) may be greater than the effect of each individual substance.
New test for Lyme disease is not reliable To determine whether someone has Lyme disease, doctors in the Netherlands often use antibody tests. For some time now, so-called cellular tests have been available on the market.
Many more infections, limited increase in hospital admissions In the past week, the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the Netherlands increased by 64% compared to the week before that.
Current knowledge on microplastics in the soil is still inadequate A literature review carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has concluded that reliable standard techniques should be developed to analyse microplastics in the soil.
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.
Sugars and humectants in cigarettes lead to higher levels of toxins in smoke An RIVM study reveals that adding sugars and humectants to cigarettes leads to higher emissions of a number of toxic substances in cigarette smoke.
Standard time more beneficial for public health than summer time It is beneficial for public health in the Netherlands if we set the standard time, also referred to as winter time, throughout the year.
Dutch doctor with Lassa fever infection dies, colleague repatriated The Dutch doctor who was treated at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) for a Lassa virus infection has passed away on 23 November.
Can you solve a medical mystery? During World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2019, RIVM has set up an escape room in one of busiest shopping malls in the Netherlands.