News | RIVM

MEBI: be alert when removing IUB™ Ballerine® MIDI

In the first nine months of 2025, the Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI) received 30 reports of problems with the removal of the Ballerine copper IUD (IUB™ Ballerine® MIDI) in 26 women.

Concentrations of new substances in surface water too high for drinking water

One third of the drinking water in the Netherlands comes from surface water. More and more new chemicals are found in this water. For 65 of these substances, RIVM has assessed whether they could impact the quality of drinking water.

Measures needed to reduce release of microplastics from textiles

In 2022, around 430,000 kilos of microplastics were released from clothing and shoes in the Netherlands. For the whole of Europe, the released amount came to more than 10 million kilos. This mainly occurs as a result of wear and tear of clothes and shoes, but also the (first) times clothes are washed. These microplastics pollute the environment and may be harmful to both nature and health.

Heated tobacco products also harmful to health

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are harmful to health, just like ordinary cigarettes. This is the outcome of doctoral research carried out by Michele Davigo (RIVM and Maastricht University).

Ongoing monitoring of changes in swine influenza viruses

Although swine influenza viruses have changed in recent years, they have not combined with influenza viruses that affect humans or birds.

Many people with flu in the Netherlands: epidemic seems likely

The number of people in the Netherlands who have a respiratory infection is increasing. More and more people have symptoms. A significant percentage of these people have the influenza (flu) virus. The annual flu epidemic seems to be starting. Besides the influenza virus, other viruses can also cause respiratory infections.

Nipah virus in India: risk to Dutch travellers very low

In the Indian state of West Bengal, two people have contracted Nipah virus disease, which is mainly transmitted by fruit bats. In the Netherlands, the risk of infection with the Nipah virus is negligible. There are no fruit bats here, and no people in this country have the virus. People travelling to West Bengal can reduce the risk of contracting the virus by following the recommendations shown below.

Harmful plant protection products on roses from outside the European Union

Some of the cut flowers in the Netherlands are grown in Africa or South America. These flowers often contain large amounts of plant protection products. People who work with cut flowers or place them in a vase at home can be exposed to these substances. For this reason, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) carried out measurements on roses.

Nutrition policy promising for public health and environment

There are opportunities for a nutrition policy that contributes both to public health and the environment. Existing measures from the National Prevention Agreement (NPA) and the new Coherent Prevention Strategy (SPS) may also have benefits for the environment.

COVID-19 pandemic intensified negative mental health trend among young people

Anxiety and depression issues among young people were already on the rise, but during the COVID-19 pandemic this trend accelerated. The number of young people in the Netherlands at a high risk of anxiety or depressive disorder rose sharply between 2020 and 2022.