Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Norway formally announced the intention to submit a restriction proposal for PFAS to the European Chemicals Agency ECHA by 19 July 2022. A restriction proposal is a first step towards a European ban on PFAS. With a restriction on manufacturing, marketing authorisation and use of PFAS, the countries want to stop the spread of PFAS in the environment and improve the quality of the environment and the health of people in the European Union. Special about this restriction is that it includes more than 6000 substances and many uses and products.

Dr Chantal Reusken, a Leading virology expert at RIVM, answers four questions about the EVD-LabNet. What is the EVD-LabNet and what role does the European network of 65 expert labs play when a new disease emerges?  

People who live in areas with poor air quality are more likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the symptoms of COVID-19 are more serious, leading to more hospitalisations and deaths. It was already known that air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases, including respiratory infections. Research conducted abroad previously showed that the same is true for COVID-19. A new study has now demonstrated this in the Netherlands.

RIVM carries out measurements in products and their emissions. The legally prescribed ISO methods are used for TNCO in cigarettes and roll your own tobacco products. For other measurements, RIVM uses methods published by WHO TobLabNet. A RIVM method is used for components without a known method.