PFAS levels in drinking water from river water need to be brought down The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) advises to reduce PFAS concentrations in the drinking water in parts of the Netherlands in the coming years. This concerns drinking water produced from river water.
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.
Number of tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands increased slightly in 2021 compared to 2020 The number of people with tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands increased slightly in 2021, reaching 680. This figure is 9% higher than it was in 2020 (622 patients).
RIVM to play greater role in tuberculosis control The Committee for Practical Tuberculosis Control (CPT) will be transferred per 1 January 2022 to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) after a period of 70 years with KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation.
Safety of materials and products already starts at the design phase The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management aims to ensure that all new materials and technological developments are safe in 2050.
Largest drop in number of tuberculosis cases in the Netherlands in fifty years Last year, the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands fell sharply. The 17% drop is the largest in fifty years. In 2020, 623 cases were notified compared to 754 in 2019.
A decrease in the number of tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands In 2019, the number of people with tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands decreased to 759. This is 5 per cent less than in 2018, when 797 were reported.
Temporary background values for PFAS in Dutch soil RIVM has derived temporary background values for two types of PFAS in Dutch soil: PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluoro octanoic acid).
RIVM will calculate temporary background value for PFAS in soil In the coming weeks, RIVM will derive a temporary background value for PFAS in Dutch soil. This will be done based on measurement data from the provinces in the Netherlands.
A guide for the safe reuse of diaper and incontinence materials RIVM has developed a step-by-step plan for the safe reuse of diapers and incontinence material. This plan provides recyclers and licensing authorities with tools to carry out a risk assessment.