From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.

The new Horizon 2020 project RISK-HUNT3R: RISK assessment of chemicals integrating HUman centric Next generation Testing strategies promoting the 3Rs was launched on 1 June.

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

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.

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

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.

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

How can the process of validation, acceptance and use of animal-free innovative approaches to assess the safety of chemicals be facilitated?

Ozone layer depletion, air pollution and climate change need to be addressed in connection with each other.

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.