News | RIVM

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.

Municipal Public Health Services once again conduct more STI consultations than before COVID-19

The number of STI consultations at the Sexual Health Centres of the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) was 19% higher in 2022 compared to 2021.

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.

Number of STI tests at sexual health centres are rising again

In 2021, more than 138,000 people were tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a centre for sexual health.

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.

More STI tests conducted by Sexual Health Centres

In 2021, more people visited a Sexual Health Centre (SHC) to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than in 2020. This figure is still lower than in 2019, the year before the coronavirus outbreak.

Awareness and use of cigarillos, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches relatively low

The awareness and use of cigarillos, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches is relatively low. This is apparent from research by RIVM among Dutch people aged 13 and older, commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

RIVM recommends limiting number of e-cigarettes flavourings to 23 with tobacco taste only

The government wishes to make e-cigarettes less attractive, in particular for young people.

Menthol facilitates inhalation of tobacco smoke, even when you cannot taste it

Even when menthol cannot be tasted, the substance makes it easier to inhale tobacco smoke. This way, menthol makes smoking more attractive for young and novice smokers who are not yet used to inhaling sharp, pungent tobacco smoke.