Air pollution is hazardous to health and the environment. It is important to limit the levels of air pollutants. RIVM monitors the amount of these substances in the air, researches effects of air pollution on health and environment and delivers information to government authorities as basis for their policy decisions.

In the event of an incident or natural disaster, the role of RIVM is to support national and local government and to direct control responses. RIVM has a directive role in case of an outbreak of an ​​infectious disease. In the event of an accident or disaster, RIVM plays an advisory role and is responsible for providing accurate information to limit the consequences to human health and the environment. The film 'Crises and Emergencies' provides insight into the different RIVM roles in these cases.

RIVM uses its knowledge and expertise in microbiology and statistics to provide advice to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and other relevant parties about national implementation and national (and international) evaluation of the European Bathing Water Directive.

RIVM provides recommendations and conducts scientific research in swimming pools (bathing establishments).

Clean water contributes to a healthy life. For instance, clean water that people can swim in encourages people to be more active. RIVM has an advisory role and conducts scientific research into the quality of bathing water.

Since 1990, RIVM has been collecting data on health issues caused by contact with bathing water by conducting a periodic survey.

During the bathing season, official swimming locations are checked for bathing water quality. In the Netherlands, the bathing season runs from 1 May to 1 October. There are no inspections of bathing water quality outside the bathing season.