Nitrate leaching on derogation farms in sandy regions continues to rise Nitrate leaching on ‘derogation farms’ has risen in recent years, most likely due to the drought experienced throughout the Netherlands in 2018 and regionally in both 2019 and 2020.
Pressure drainage can be a cost-effective technology to reduce CO2 emissions in peatland areas Pressure drainage can in some cases help to reduce CO2 emissions in peatland areas. This intervention is very expensive and only cost-effective when it sufficiently reduces CO2 emissions.
Safety of materials and products already starts at the design phase The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management aims to ensure that all new materials and technological developments are safe in 2050.
Call for global action plan to save our oceans Scientists involved in the Seas Oceans and Public Health In Europe (SOPHIE) Project have proposed the first steps towards a united global plan to save our oceans, for the sake of human health. Andrzej-kryszpiniuk
Graphit rain poses health risk An assessment of potential health risks shows that graphite rain contains heavy metals and PAHs.
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.
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).
Health effects due to titanium nanoparticles in food and toothpaste cannot be excluded Health effects due to exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles via food, food supplements and toothpaste cannot be excluded.
Tool for risk assessment of nanomaterials in cosmetics Both regulators and manufacturers need to evaluate and manage consumer health risks that may be posed by the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics.
Nanotechnology increasingly used in medical devices The application of nanotechnology to design and produce medical devices is increasing. RIVM provides an overview of nanotechnology enabled medical devices.