News | RIVM

Slight increase in greenhouse gasses in 2021

In 2021, greenhouse gas emissions were 1.8% higher than the year before. This marked the first time emissions had gone up since 2016. In 2020, emissions declined by 8.8%. The 2021 increase is largely attributable to CO2 and to the cold winter.

Air quality in the Netherlands in 2021 almost the same as in 2020

In 2021, the Netherlands once again met the European limit values for nitrogen dioxide emitted at ground-level by road traffic. This was also the case for particulate matter along the roads, with the exception of a small stretch of road near Velsen.

RIVM: seven e-cigarette flavourings with tobacco-taste pose health risk

The Dutch government only wants to allow 23 e-cigarette flavourings with a tobacco-taste. RIVM examined whether these 23 flavourings are harmful to people’s health.

Awareness and use of cigarillos, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches relatively low

The awareness and use of cigarillos, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches is relatively low. This is apparent from research by RIVM among Dutch people aged 13 and older, commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

RIVM recommends limiting number of e-cigarettes flavourings to 23 with tobacco taste only

The government wishes to make e-cigarettes less attractive, in particular for young people.

Menthol facilitates inhalation of tobacco smoke, even when you cannot taste it

Even when menthol cannot be tasted, the substance makes it easier to inhale tobacco smoke. This way, menthol makes smoking more attractive for young and novice smokers who are not yet used to inhaling sharp, pungent tobacco smoke.

How to distinguish a dual user from an exclusive e-cigarette user

RIVM and Maastricht University have identified a combination of factors that can be used to distinguish between exclusive e-cigarette users (vapers) on the one hand and people who smoke both regula

EU air policy gives an average of 6 extra years of life in the Netherlands

Since the 1970s, European policies to improve air quality have resulted in fewer emissions in many countries.

Young people who use screens before sleeping have more sleep problems

Young people (13-18 years) who use light-emitting screens daily in the hour before going to sleep have more sleep problems.

Dutch air quality shows little improvement in 2017

In 2017, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in most parts of the Netherlands were below European limit values.