MEBI: 193 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2022 In 2022, 193 individuals reported suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI). Most reports received concerned breast implants, copper IUDs and wrinkle fillers. This is highlighted in MEBI’s annual report.
RIVM to begin systematic measuring of ultrafine particles in 2023 In 2023, RIVM will take systematic measurements of ultrafine particles in the outside air for the first time. This is necessary because little is known at present about ultrafine particles and their potential health effects. Ultrafine particles must be measured with different equipment than that usually used for particulate matter.
RIVM publishes new data from manufacturers on tobacco products On behalf of the Dutch Ministry of VWS (Health, Welfare and Sport), RIVM has published new data on tobacco products. For the first time, these data include the ingredients of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal smoking products.
No indication that investigated mesh implants used to treat pelvic organ prolapse are unsafe RIVM has conducted a laboratory study into six mesh implants from different manufacturers used in the Netherlands in 2018. The study revealed no indication that these products are unsafe for patients.
Exposure to combination of chemicals appears to be too high, health risks unclear The food and drinking water that people consume include chemicals that have effects on health. Among them are substances, such as lead, which are known to have a negative effect on intelligence or development of the brain.
New standard for exposure assessment of cleaning products RIVM has updated the standard for exposure assessment of cleaning products in the ConsExpo Cleaning Products Fact Sheet.
Off-label use of medicines: Room for improvement Medicinal products may be prescribed for other diseases, or groups of patients, than the ones that they are approved for.
The Circular Economy: starting progress measurement in the Netherlands A new report by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) and RIVM outlines a draft monitoring system to measure progress throughout the planned trans
Scientific article one of the most-read articles of International Water Association (IWA) Publishing With over 1,600 downloads, the scientific article 'Towards a research agenda for water, sanitation and antimicrobial resistance', was one of the most-read articles of IWA Publishing in 2017.
Recommendations for improving groundwater quality assessment Often potentially harmful chemical compounds are present in groundwater. RIVM presents a number of options for the revision of the groundwater quality assessment framework.