295 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2023 In 2023, 295 individuals reported one or more suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI).
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.
MEBI: 193 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2022 In 2022, 193 individuals reported suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI). Most reports received concerned breast implants, copper IUDs and wrinkle fillers. This is highlighted in MEBI’s annual report.
Grey heron infected with West Nile virus A grey heron in the Noord-Holland-Noord region has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The virus is rare in the Netherlands. Bas van de Meulengraaf
New risk limits for PFAS in surface water The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has derived new risk limits for PFAS in surface water. The guiding principle for these limits is that people should be able to consume fish sourced from surface water throughout their lives without ingesting excessive levels of PFAS.
RIVM formulates criteria for R&D of sustainable pharmaceuticals As part of an international research project, RIVM has formulated criteria for R&D of sustainable new pharmaceuticals. These GREENER criteria are an important first step to develop pharmaceuticals that do not impact the environment..
From 1 June 2022, heel prick test also screens for muscle disease SMA, bringing number of screened diseases to 26 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.
Towards a sustainable, healthy future for everyone: EU project INHERIT offers policy solutions Today, on 10 December a policy toolkit will be presented at the final conference of the European four-year research project INHERIT.
Antimicrobial resistance in the Netherlands is remaining reasonably stable Antimicrobial resistance is increasing on a global level. It is difficult to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria.
Discussion regarding health-based guidance value of PFOA The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a provisional health-based guidance value for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).