News | RIVM

Chance of smog from ozone in the whole of the Netherlands

On Friday 13 June 2025, the air quality in the whole of the Netherlands will be ‘poor’ due to smog due to ozone. This may cause discomfort for people who are sensitive to smog. RIVM advises them to stay indoors and limit strenuous physical activity. This advice is most relevant in the late afternoon and early evening, when the air will be most polluted.

Sampling PFAS levels in wastewater

RIVM researched the options for differentiating between PFAS in household wand industrial wastewater.

New nicotine sticks contain harmful amounts of nicotine

RIVM has investigated the nicotine levels coming from nicotine sticks without tobacco. The nicotine levels coming from these products were 18 to 25 times higher than the value recommended by RIVM. Above this recommended value, adverse health effects are expected for nicotine.

RIVM virologist Chantal Reusken appointed professor at Utrecht University

Chantal Reusken, virologist and principal expert in virology at the Netherlands Centre for Infectious Disease Control at RIVM, has been appointed professor at Utrecht University.

National Heatwave Plan evaluation: substantial attenuation in risk of dying from heat since 2010

The risk of dying on hot days has substantially attenuated since 2010 in the Netherlands. The estimated number of heat-related deaths decreased from 7,000 in the 2000–2009 period to 4,300 in the 2010–2019 period. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.

Anne Kienhuis appointed Professor of Toxicology in Transition at Utrecht University

Utrecht University has appointed Anne Kienhuis, senior scientist at RIVM, as Professor of Toxicology in Transition at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with effect from 1 June 2025. From this chair Kienhuis contributes to various transitions in toxicology, such as the transition to animal-free innovations.

Proefdiervrij, Sophie Blommers

Minimal improvement in young people’s health and mental well-being

The number of young people who assess their own health as good has increased slightly compared to the previous quarterly study.

New COVID-19 vaccination round in autumn 2025

In autumn 2025, there will be another vaccination campaign against COVID-19. The State Secretary of Youth, Prevention and Sport from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) announced this decision in a letter to the House of Representatives of the Netherlands. He is following the advisory opinion of the Health Council of the Netherlands regarding COVID-19 vaccination for 2025.

Greater scope for digital care, slight increase in usage

Care providers and care users have become slightly more likely to use digital resources. They have also become slightly more positive about the impact of digital care.

Brief decline in air quality over Easter

RIVM expects the air quality to be poor or even very poor over Easter in some areas. These are the areas where Easter fires will be lit and where these have not been cancelled.