At the beginning of 2019, the RIVM measured the air quality around the landfill at Philipsburg, Sint Maarten for two weeks. No or hardly any harmful substances were measured.

An assessment of potential health risks shows that graphite rain contains heavy metals and PAHs.

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.

There are a number of promising biobased alternatives to controversial polar aprotic solvents, as revealed in a report from Wageningen Food & Biobased Research commissioned by RIVM .

Since May 2015, there has been a Zika virus outbreak in South and Central America, including the Caribbean. The Zika virus can cause birth defects, including microcephaly (small head size).

RIVM would like to explore possibilities to eliminate obstacles during innovation of green chemistry with industry.

Chemicals made from vegetable or animal waste may be an alternative to the use of the substance Bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper. Thermal paper is widely used for cash register receipts.

There are many possible biobased alternatives to substances of very high concern (SVHC). Some are even ready to be deployed right away.

RIVM-experts from the Environmental Assessment Unit (EAU) have undertaken two missions involving an emergency situation in the Solomon Islands and an environmental assessment in Georgia.

RIVM is in a state of readiness to assist and support the fire brigade, the Dutch National Police Service (KLPD) and the Regional Emergency Health Organisation (GHOR) in the event of any disasters