Research into safe distance for battery energy storage systems One new development in the energy sector is the temporary storage of renewable energy. For example, energy can be stored in a community battery.
Participation rates in cancer population screening programmes continue to decline The number of participants in the population screening programmes for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer continues to decline. This decline has been going on for years, reaching its lowest point in 2020.
Metabolic disorder ALD added to newborn blood spot screening Since 1 October, the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) has been added to the Dutch newborn blood spot screening. From now on, the blood of newborn boys will also be tested for this disorder. ALD in boys can be treated if it is detected in time.
COVID-19 vaccination for risk groups: over-60s, flu vaccine group, care workers and pregnant women From 19 September 2023 on, the first people will receive an invitation for COVID-19 vaccination. The first invitations will be sent by RIVM to people aged 60 years and older.
RIVM creates risk assessment toolbox to assess local groundwater quality RIVM has developed the Groundwater Risk Assessment Toolbox. This risk assessment toolbox allows local authorities to quickly determine whether a specific groundwater application is safe. They can then take action if necessary.
From 1 October 2023, heel prick test also screens for metabolic disorder ALD From 1 October 2023, the blood of newborn babies will also be tested for the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This is done with the heel prick screening test.
Quick action needed to prevent drinking water shortage in 2030 The demand for drinking water will increase until at least 2030. The supply is under strain due to climate change and pollution. There are already regional shortages. If measures are not taken, shortages will occur throughout the Netherlands in 2030.
NIPT available as standard option for all pregnant women from 1 April From 1 April 2023, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) will be available to all pregnant women. They do not have to take part in a scientific study for this.
New risk limits for 18 pesticides in surface water Evidence suggests that existing standards for some of these substances do not sufficiently protect the ecosystem. For others, no standards exist yet or the existing standards are outdated. If these
COVID-19 vaccine uptake related to neighbourhood demographics COVID-19 vaccine uptake was lower in neighbourhoods that had proportionately higher percentages of residents from a non-Western migration background and residents who were more likely to vote for right-wing Christian and right-wing conservative political parties. iStock