News | RIVM

Breast implants can cause health problems even five years or more after placement

Over the past 5 years, the Dutch reporting and expertise centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI) has received 977 reports of health problems related to breast implants. An analysis by RIVM has shown that 39% of the reported health problems started 5 or more years after the implant’s placement.

RIVM publishes new data from manufacturers on tobacco products

On behalf of the Dutch Ministry of VWS (Health, Welfare and Sport), RIVM has published new data on tobacco products. For the first time, these data include the ingredients of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal smoking products.

No indication that investigated mesh implants used to treat pelvic organ prolapse are unsafe

RIVM has conducted a laboratory study into six mesh implants from different manufacturers used in the Netherlands in 2018. The study revealed no indication that these products are unsafe for patients.

Darker cigarettes and other measures to make cigarettes less appealing

There are a number of measures that can be implemented to make cigarettes less appealing and less addictive. For example, manufacturers could make cigarettes a darker colour. They could also stop using ingredients like sugars and flavourings.

RIVM prepares a recommended list of banned substances in tobacco products and e-cigarettes

The goal of the European Tobacco Products Directive is to make tobacco products and e-cigarettes less harmful, addictive and attractive. The directive does not specifically state which substances are not allowed in tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

Incorrect emission factors used for some farms included in list of top 100 ammonia emitters

At the request of the Dutch House of Representatives, RIVM compiled a list of the 100 biggest ammonia emitters in the Netherlands. Recently, the underlying data used to compile this list were disclosed pursuant to a request under the Open Government Act.

RIVM creates overview of nitrogen monitoring in water in Europe

At the behest of the European Parliament, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has formulated a report on how EU member states are dealing with European regulations on nitrogen in water (nitrate).

Michel Looyenstein

Hypersensitivity reactions to fillers may occur after COVID-19 vaccination

People may experience hypersensitivity reactions to fillers following a COVID-19 vaccination.

RIVM: seven e-cigarette flavourings with tobacco-taste pose health risk

The Dutch government only wants to allow 23 e-cigarette flavourings with a tobacco-taste. RIVM examined whether these 23 flavourings are harmful to people’s health.

Chromium-6 from medical implants not harmful to health

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