News | RIVM

Chance of smog from ozone in the province of North Brabant and central parts of the Netherlands

On Tuesday 1 July and Wednesday 2 July 2025, the air quality in the province of North Brabant and central parts of the Netherlands will be ‘poor’ due to smog due to ozone.

Wet year causes low quantities of nitrate under derogation farms

In 2024, the average quantity of nitrate in upper groundwater under derogation farms was well below the European standard. This was mainly because of the large amount of precipitation in 2023 and 2024, resulting in more nitrate being broken down in the soil and mixed with a greater volume of water.

Safe use of purified wastewater in agriculture and horticulture

In dry summers, there may not be enough water to irrigate agricultural and horticultural crops. Since 2023, use of purified urban wastewater for this purpose has been allowed in the Netherlands. This water may still contain some chemicals and pathogens. It is therefore important that this water is sufficiently clean and safe.

RIVM monitors situation around nuclear facilities in Iran

Several of Iran’s nuclear facilities have been targets of strikes in the past few days. So far, there are no indications that radioactive substances have been released outside the facilities. If any such indications were to be found in the future, no measures would be required in the Netherlands, as the distance to Iran is too great.

Chance of smog from ozone in the south and center of the Netherlands on Saturday

On Saturday 21 June 2025, the air quality in the south and center of the Netherlands will be ‘poor’ due to smog due to ozone. This may cause discomfort for people who are sensitive to smog.

More and more adults drinking little alcohol or not at all

More and more adults are drinking no alcohol, or no more than one glass a day. Whereas 38 per cent drank little to no alcohol in 2012, this percentage rose to 45 per cent in 2024.

Vaccination coverage decreased slightly among babies and toddlers, while HPV vaccination coverage rose

The percentage of babies and toddlers that were vaccinated in the framework of the National Immunisation Programme appears to have decreased slightly compared to last year. During the same period, there was a clear increase in vaccination coverage for the HPV vaccination, which children receive around the age of 10 years.

Exposure to radiation due to human activity remains very low

Less than one per cent of the average exposure to radiation in the Netherlands can be traced back to industry and nuclear facilities. The average total exposure to radiation in the Netherlands has barely changed for years. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.

Excise duty increase prompted 7% of smokers to quit in 2024, significant growth in purchases made abroad

About 7% of smokers quit after the 2024 increase in excise duty. Another 16% attempted to quit, 22% started smoking less, and 14% switched to an alternative, such as a cheaper brand of cigarettes. This is apparent from a RIVM study into the effects of this tax increase.

One adult in the Netherlands has died from measles

It was reported today that an adult in the Netherlands has died from measles this week. The deceased patient had a severe immune disorder, leading to insufficient protection against this infectious disease. The patient was admitted to hospital with measles 2 weeks ago. Even after the Municipal Health Services (GGDs) conducted source tracing, where the person contracted measles is still unknown.