The plastics problem can only be solved by using plastics that are safe, healthy and sustainable. RIVM shares its knowledge with scientists, businesses and policymakers, so that they can develop smart solutions together.

Microplastics end up in our bodies through the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe. The accumulation of microplastics in our environment is likely increasing our exposure to plastics. Microplastics have also been found in airborne particulate matter. The air in our homes also contains low concentrations of microplastics. Most of it probably comes from textiles such as clothes, carpets and curtains.  

Plastics are everywhere in the world. Tiny plastic particles are found in water, air, soil and sediment. Microplastics have also been found inside our bodies and in plants and animals. We know more about the amount of plastics in the world’s oceans than about plastics on land.  

The percentage of young people who report having mental health problems has hardly decreased since the last lockdown (in early 2022). This is evidenced by the latest quarterly update from December 2022. The number of young people visiting their GP for mental health problems, such as depression, has returned to the 2019 levels from before the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the quarterly study are part of the Health Research for COVID-19. 

The mental health symptoms among adults are no longer associated with COVID-related events that they experienced, such as a SARS-CoV-2 infection or the loss of a loved one. This is evidenced by the latest quarterly update from December 2022. However, people aged 75 and older are still more likely to visit their GP for problems with sleep, memory and concentration than in the same period before the COVID-19 crisis, while people aged 25-44 years were more likely to visit their GP due to suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. The quarterly study is part of Health Research for COVID-19. In this study, the GOR Network researches the health effects of the COVID-19 crisis. The Network for Health Research in Disasters (GOR Network) publishes a quarterly update on this page, summarising key results from survey research and data from primary care providers. The aim is to provide information to municipalities, provinces and the national government of the Netherlands to assist them in formulating policies. 

Plastics are composed of polymers, which are large molecules made up of repeating building blocks. They can be complex combinations of different blocks. Many plastics contain additives. These are substances added to improve the properties of a material, for example to add colour or elasticity or to reduce flammability.  

Compared to their European colleagues, Dutch general practitioners (GPs) are cautious when it comes to prescribing antibiotics – and for good reason, as unnecessary antibiotics use increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and needlessly exposes patients to side effects. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement in the Netherlands as well as elsewhere.