More attention needed for potential impact of drug waste on drinking water quality Drug waste contains substances that are harmful to the quality of drinking water. Because this waste is dumped illegally, these substances can end up in sources of drinking water.
Grey heron infected with West Nile virus A grey heron in the Noord-Holland-Noord region has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The virus is rare in the Netherlands. Bas van de Meulengraaf
Air quality Sint Maarten landfill At the beginning of 2019, RIVM measured the air quality around the landfill at Philipsburg, Sint Maarten for two weeks. No or hardly any harmful substances were measured.
iGEM meetup for teams and supervisors The best synbio projects, including iGEM teams, have one thing in common: cutting edge science in the light of carefully considered societal needs.
Slightly fewer adult smokers In 2018, 22.4 per cent of the Dutch adult population indicated they were occasional smokers.
RIVM will make measurements around the Sint Maarten landfill From 21 January 2019, a team from RIVM will travel to Sint Maarten to make measurements and take samples at various locations around the landfill in Philipsburg.
Rubber granulate on synthetic turf fields causes environmental impact Use of rubber granulate sourced from car tyres, on synthetic turf fields can be harmful to the environment in the close vicinity of these fields.
Risks of potential release of genetically modified mosquitoes evaluated On Saba, a Dutch Caribbean island, diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika can be reduced by the use of genetically modified mosquitoes.
Scientific background information on rubber granulate now available in English In December 2016, RIVM published in Dutch the results of its research into the health risks of playing sports on synthetic turf pitches with rubber granulate.
Playing sports on synthetic turf fields with rubber granulate is safe New research by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) shows it is safe for people to play sports on synthetic turf fields with an infill of rubber granulate.