Substances of very high concern hamper recycling Substances of very high concern (SVHC) can hamper the safe recycling of waste streams in the Netherlands. These substances occur in a wide range of waste streams.
Alertness about the Zika virus still needed for pregnant women 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).
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.
Building blocks for a definition of microplastics The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM has described building blocks for a definition of microplastics.
RIVM seeks dialogue with Industry for safe and green chemistry RIVM would like to explore possibilities to eliminate obstacles during innovation of green chemistry with industry.
Biobased alternatives to hormone disrupting substance in cash register receipts 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.
Monitoring of the medical team involved in the care of Ebola patient concluded The Nigerian Ebola patient admitted to the Major Incident Hospital was declared cured 21 days ago.
Patient in Radboudumc not contaminated with the Ebola virus The patient, who was admitted in the Radboud univerisity medical center over the past few days because of a suspected Ebola infection, was proven not to be infected.
Outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N8) in Dutch poultry In November 2014 avian ‘flu has been detected on poultry farms in the Netherlands.
Promising biobased alternatives to substances of very high concern There are many possible biobased alternatives to substances of very high concern (SVHC). Some are even ready to be deployed right away.