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).
Risks of chemical substances to human health and the environment RIVM is developing methods to identify new and emerging risks of chemical substances to workers, consumers and the environment.
Use of other needles in Dutch Immunisation Programme as a precaution As a result of the EenVandaag broadcast regarding the safety of injection needles, and after consultation with the Dutch Inspection for Health Care (IGZ), RIVM advises against the use of needles so
New insights on ammonia emissions Calculated ammonia emissions in the Netherlands are still declining. However, emissions overall are greater than previously assumed.
Harmful substances in e-cigarettes assessed While e-cigarettes are less harmful to health than tobacco cigarettes, the vapour from an e-cigarette contains substances and chemical impurities in concentrations that could be detrimental to heal
Reduced-sodium lunches result in decreased daily dietary sodium intakes Consumption of reduced-sodium foods over a 3-week period was well accepted by uninformed participants in an experimental real-life canteen setting.