We are increasingly surrounding ourselves with plastics of all types and forms. At the same time, we are becoming more and more worried about the potential consequences of all this plastics for people and the environment. What are these consequences and what is needed to ensure that plastics do not cause irreparable damage to our living environment? It is certain that: Plastics have proved their usefulness, but there are rising concerns about the potential harmful effects on people and the environment; Many misconceptions still exist with regard to the issue of plastics; Plastics often have little value after they have been used; We can all help to reduce the effects of plastics on people and the environment.  

Access to safe drinking water is one of the first necessities of life. While the risk from well-known drinking water contaminants is globally declining, risks from emerging chemical and microbial contaminants arise. To protect the quality of our drinking water, water authorities and drinking water companies need early warning systems. This is challenging as emerging contaminants are different by nature and evidence about the potential drinking water risk they pose is limited. In the PS-DRINK project, a collaboration between RIVM, Utrecht University and Delft University of Technology, these challenges were faced, and an early warning system and prioritisation approach for contaminants of emerging concern in drinking water resources was developed.

Scientists publish many publications on the latest insights on the microplastics problem. There is, however, still a great deal that we do not know about the consequences of microplastics for man and the environment. Policymakers realise that we cannot afford to wait until all the gaps in our knowledge are filled before taking measures. This newsletter keeps you up to date on the most recent developments in knowledge and policy.

Autumn 2020 saw a strong surge in the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19. More stringent measures were introduced, followed by a significant, but relatively short-term downward trend. This decrease coincided with a significant change in behaviour, measured in mid-November. For example, Dutch people indicated that they avoid busy places more often than six weeks earlier (67%, compared to 58% previously). They also found it easier to do so, possibly as a result of the more stringent measures. This was clear from the eighth round of the behavioural study conducted by RIVM, the Netherlands Municipal Public Health Services and Medical Assistance in Accidents and Disasters (GGD-GHOR) and the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

ScreenIT has been designed for the Dutch population screening programmes for cervical, breast and colorectal cancer. This ICT system supports the primary screening process.