RIVM helps the government protect citizens, patients and workers from the harmful effects of different types of radiation: UV radiation, electromagnetic fields and ionising radiation. This page specifically concerns RIVM’s efforts to protect people against ionising radiation. This type of radiation is emitted by radioactive substances.
In carrying out this task, we work together with knowledge organisations both in the Netherlands and abroad. We also have facilities such as a radionuclide laboratory, radiation monitoring vehicles and a crisis room.
Radiation monitoring at nuclear facilities
Among other things, nuclear radiation can be released as a result of activities by the nuclear industry: nuclear power plants, research and other reactors, enrichment facilities and radioactive waste management facilities. The nuclear industry is required to monitor radioactivity in its wastewater and ventilation air . To do this, the industry takes samples of discharged water and released air. On the instructions of the Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS), RIVM monitors whether the supplied samples match the measurements for these samples reported by the nuclear industry.
The operating licence of nuclear facilities sets requirements for the level of radiation at their perimeter. RIVM monitors this continuously, using a monitoring network at the perimeters of the Borssele nuclear power plant and site operated by the Central Organisation For Radioactive Waste (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval, COVRA).
At the request of government bodies, RIVM also carries out measurements on nuclear transports. Inspectorates can use the measurements to carry out their tasks.
Environmental monitoring
RIVM also measures the amount of radioactivity in rain and airborne dust. We use the National Radioactivity Monitoring Network (Nationaal Meetnet Radioactiviteit, NMR) to measure ionising radiation in the environment, including naturally released radiation by the soil. Since drinking water and food can also contain radioactivity, we work together with parties including drinking water companies and the Ministry of Water Management and Infrastructure (radioactivity in lakes, rivers and the sea) and Wageningen Food Safety Research (radioactivity in milk, food and animal feed).
Supporting inspections
RIVM supports the inspections that the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (Autoriteit Nucleaire Veiligheid en Stralingsbescherming, ANVS) carries out as part of its supervision. We do this by carrying out measurements in the radionuclide laboratory or on location and by providing advice.
Together with other national and international institutes, we also work on nuclear forensics to trace back nuclear materials found in the Netherlands.
Radiological and Nuclear Incident Response Organisation
RIVM’s Radiological and Nuclear Incident Response Organisation (Ongevalsorganisatie Straling, OOS) steps up in the event of nuclear and radiation accidents. Our experts use advanced measuring equipment, models and IT systems to map out the spread of radioactive substances. This allows them to predict how a radioactive cloud will move and how this will affect public health.
National Radioactivity Monitoring Network
The National Radioactivity Monitoring Network (NMR) is a warning system for radiation accidents or incidents. The NMR, which consists of around 160 measuring points in the Netherlands, continuously measures the amount of radioactivity in the environment. In the event of a nuclear or radiation accident or incident, the monitoring network offers insight into the scope and development of spreading radioactive substances. Measurements are gathered and analysed once every 10 minutes. The measurements are also forwarded to the European Radiological Data Exchange Platform (EURDEP). If the radiation value exceeds normal values, RIVM is automatically notified. This enables RIVM to respond promptly when something happens, for example in the event of a nuclear accident or incident. This continuous monitoring system ensures we stay up to date on any changes in radioactivity in the environment.
Research into radiation and radioactivity
RIVM conducts research in the field of radioactivity and radiation. We research both normal exposure situations, such as exposure to radon in residential buildings, and exceptional situations following accidents or incidents, such as a nuclear disaster somewhere in the world. This research makes use of models and calculations. With this research, we help the government take decisions or develop new policy.Medical uses of radiation
RIVM monitors how often and how much radiation is used in the healthcare system. We gather this information for the benefit of healthcare professionals.