Key persons should be involved in policy for pandemics RIVM advises government authorities to involve ‘key persons’ in formulating policy for current and future pandemics. Results from RIVM research show that these individuals played a key role in ensuring an ongoing focus on social well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the limitations.
Potential effects of the reuse of building material on soil quality In a circular economy, building materials have a longer life cycle and are reused in innovative ways. Reusing building materials is sustainable, but can also be risky as building materials may contain contaminants such as heavy metals.
Vaccine manufacturer employee contracts poliovirus An employee of vaccine manufacturer Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio) has been infected with a poliovirus. The virus was found in a stool sample provided by the employee. The employee concerned is now in isolation.
Limited impact of incorrect data used for list of top 100 ammonia emitters On 1 November 2022, RIVM announced that its list of top-100 ammonia emitters was compiled using incorrect emission factors for some types of livestock housing. RIVM has investigated whether the erroneous data had also been used in other RIVM products.
Annual report ‘Tuberculosis in the Netherlands’ for 2021: slight increase in number of TB patients In 2021, the number of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Netherlands rose slightly compared to the preceding year: up to 680 TB patients from 622 in 2020. However, the 2021 number was lower than the number for 2019 (754 patients).
Less air pollution from traffic and industry but increased contribution from agriculture International air policy has shown good results in Europe: in the past 35 years the air has become cleaner. Nevertheless air pollution is still an important cause of premature death.
Early detection of work-related health risks in Europe At European level, different methods are used to identify substances and processes that may cause cancer as early as possible, the so-called early warning systems.
Burden of disease and societal costs of work-related cancer in the European Union Yearly approximately 122,600 people in the EU are diagnosed with cancer, caused by past exposure to carcinogenic substances at work.
Minor differences in the energy balance are responsible for the onset of obesity among children Minor differences in the daily energy balance (the intake versus the expenditure of calories) are responsible for the development of obesity among children in the long term, as demonstrated through
Teun van Dillen awarded Young Professional Award Radiation Protection and Safety Teun van Dillen was awarded second place in the Young Professionals Competition at the international conference of radiation experts in Cape Town for his work on the SUDOQU methodology.