GPs feel more personalised care for chronically ill patients was useful during coronavirus pandemic During the coronavirus pandemic, GPs had to take over some of the tasks of hospitals and mental healthcare providers.
From 1 October 2023, heel prick test also screens for metabolic disorder ALD From 1 October 2023, the blood of newborn babies will also be tested for the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This is done with the heel prick screening test.
European air quality limit values can be met if proposed policy measures are implemented In 2022, the European Commission introduced a proposal for stricter air quality standards. With existing policy measures, the air quality in most of the Netherlands will meet these requirements by 2030.
Brief decline in air quality over Easter RIVM expects the air quality to be poor or very poor for a brief period over Easter, particularly in areas where Easter fires are lit. This is because the burning of wood leads to high local concentrations of particulate matter in the air. These high concentrations may cause health problems. People affected by these problems are advised to avoid strenuous physical activity.
Post-COVID less common after Omicron infection After a SARS-CoV-2 infection involving Omicron, 1 in 10 people still have symptoms three months later. This is almost 2 times lower than after an infection involving the Delta variant. This is evident from new results of the LongCOVID study at RIVM. There is variation in the frequency of specific post-COVID symptoms after an infection with the Omicron or Delta variant.
Safe recycling of textiles possible, but still in its infancy Textiles are produced using chemicals. Although many hazardous chemicals may no longer be used in textile production, they may still be present in donations of old clothing. RIVM has conducted a study into the safety of recycled textiles.
BA.5 variant detected in the Netherlands The BA.5 variant of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was detected for the first time in the Netherlands this week.
People with impaired immunity invited for repeat vaccination From 19 April on, people who have moderately or severely impaired immunity will receive their invitation for a repeat vaccination against COVID-19.
RIVM recalls fill needles for COVID-19 vaccination at supplier’s request As of today, RIVM is recalling the fill needles made by MLS/Sol-Millenium Europe as a precaution, following a safety alert from the supplier. This applies to the SOL-M™ Blunt Fill Needle (REF 110022, LOT 05103013).
Need for circular use of materials in construction Construction and demolition waste are being recycled on a large scale to use as a foundation for e.g. roads, but recycled building materials are hardly ever used in the construction of buildings.