Chromium-6 from medical implants, such as hip or knee implants, does not result in severe health damage.

More reports of suspected adverse effects from copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) were made in 2021 than in previous years, according to the annual report of the Dutch reporting and expertise centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI).

In a circular economy, products, materials and raw materials are continually reused. For example, consumer products like clothes, packaging and toys.

After a detailed assessment of the technical documentation of 9 different mesh implants intended to treat pelvic organ prolapse used in NL (2018) RIVM concludes that the safety and performance of these products were not properly substantiated.

Industry and policymakers are not availing themselves enough of the available scientific knowledge when it comes to smarter ways of dealing with plastics.

Since 1 September, pregnant women in the Netherlands can have an early ultrasound scan to detect physical abnormalities in their unborn child: the 13-week scan.

According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) there needs to be a greater (international) focus on, and increased awareness of, the safe recycling of waste.

The method developed by RIVM to assess whether waste treatment is sufficiently safe and sustainable, can contribute to the European ambitions for a safe and more circular economy.

As of 7 December 2020, RIVM has become a knowledge partner of the international Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE).

In 2019, the Dutch reporting centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI) received 397 reports of suspected adverse effects. The reports concerned 462 implants.