RIVM Newsletter

Last summer RIVM has activated the National Heat Plan twice. This plan is a warning, issued by RIVM in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute KNMI, against heat and the associated health risks and a call for people to look after each other. The very high temperatures meant that the plan not only targeted vulnerable groups in society, but also advised people in good health to protect themselves from the heat. During the heatwave in July, almost 400 more deaths were reported than was expected on average for that period. The additional deaths mainly concerned persons aged 75 years and older. Read more

On 25 July RIVM issued a smog alarm for parts of the Netherlands. A warning for poor air quality was given because of the formation of ozone in the air. In the event of a smog alarm, everyone can suffer from air pollution, not only vulnerable groups. RIVM advised people with breathing problems to stay indoors - provided it was cool enough there - and to limit heavy physical exertion. This advice was particularly important for the afternoon and early evening, when the air was the most polluted. More on RIVM’s work regarding air quality. 

State Secretary Blokhuis is following the advice of the Dutch Health Council to add the HPV vaccine to the National Immunisation Programme for all children. Until now, only vaccination for girls has been included in the Programme. The virus causes cancer in about 1,000 women and 500 men every year. Read more

In May, the Council of State (the highest administrative court) ruled that the current strategy for reducing excess nitrogen in vulnerable natural areas is in breach of EU law. This Integrated Approach to Nitrogen, (PAS in Dutch) was developed to reduce the amount of nitrogen in Natura 2000 areas in the Netherlands and to create room for economic development at the same time. Read more

Human to human transfer is the main source of ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) antibiotic resistance, according to researchers from the ESBLAT research consortium, of which RIVM is a member. Resistance is common in humans, animals and food. The most important source of contamination for humans remained unknown until now. Read more

The Strategic Research Agenda for the One Health European Joint Programme was published recently. RIVM was responsible for the coordination of the development of the agenda. The EJP promotes One Health in Europe through joint actions on foodborne zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance and emerging microbiological hazards. RIVM is a member of the consortium, together with 38 partner institutes from all over Europe. Download the Strategic Research Agenda (clickable pdf).

RIVM has investigated the so-called giant tick that was found in Odoorn in the Northern province of Drenthe on 13 July. It is a Hyalomma marginatum female. The tick from Drenthe is the second sighting of an adult Hyalomma marginatum in the Netherlands this year. The first specimen was found a week earlier in the Eastern Achterhoek region, near the border with Germany. The Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV) of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) investigated both locations and found no other Hyalomma ticks. Read more

On 10 September 2019, the Global Center on Adaptation called for leadership on climate resilience. RIVM supported this call for more awareness for climate adaptation and the impact on our health. We joined the #Adaptourworld social media campaign. For more info on RIVM’s work regarding climate change. Read more

Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen slightly; ammonia emissions remain stable.This is evident from the new emission figures published by RIVM / Emission registration for the year 2018 and the final figures for the year 2017. The data provide a factual basis for public debate on nitrogen deposition, climate and air quality. Read more

RIVM has developed a step-by-step plan for the safe reuse of diapers and incontinence material. This plan provides recyclers and licensing authorities with tools to carry out a risk assessment. The processing of the materials contributes to the reduction of household waste. In addition, new products and materials made from diapers and incontinence material can be used safely. Read more

The Strategic Programme RIVM (SPR) is our programme for research, innovation and knowledge development. We use the programme to do more than simply respond to direct questions from our commissioners; we use it to prepare RIVM to respond to future issues in (public) health and the environment. The programme focus is on eight themes, such as safety and security, sustainable care and prevention, and exposure and health effects. More information

RIVM was present at two international meetings on Circular Economy. First, the Circular Chemical Plastics Alliance in Brussels on 20 September, a high-level international meeting on recycling and recycled content of plastics. Second, the European Forum of Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy on 30 September. RIVM gave a presentation at a fully booked stakeholder EFIB pre-conference on Safe and Effective Biobased Solvents: ReSolve. Read more