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.
05/20/2022 - 11:39

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).

12/13/2018 - 11:57

Rubber granulate on synthetic turf fields causes environmental impact

Use of rubber granulate sourced from car tyres, on synthetic turf fields can be harmful to the environment in the close vicinity of these fields.

07/03/2018 - 00:00

Scientific background information on rubber granulate now available in English

In December 2016, RIVM published in Dutch the results of its research into the health risks of playing sports on synthetic turf pitches with rubber granulate.

03/22/2017 - 00:00

Blood spot test extended as of 1 January 2017 to include two more disorders

As of 1 January 2017, the disorders alpha and beta thalassaemia will be added to the neonatal blood spot (‘heel prick’) screening programme.

12/22/2016 - 00:00

Playing sports on synthetic turf fields with rubber granulate is safe

New research by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) shows it is safe for people to play sports on synthetic turf fields with an infill of rubber granulate.

12/20/2016 - 00:00

RIVM starts field research into rubber granulate

RIVM has started to take samples of rubber granulate from 100 synthetic turf fields in the Netherlands.

11/08/2016 - 00:00

Newborn heel prick screening starts on St Eustatius and Saba

On 26 October 2015, heel prick screening started for all newborns on St Eustatius and Saba.

11/11/2015 - 00:00