Consumer products

What RIVM does

At the behest of the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA), RIVM helps to develop the methods which are used to determine the safety of chemicals and chemical products. We also research their health impact: are they carcinogenic, for example? Do they affect fertility or normal foetal development? Are they allergenic? RIVM analyses and interprets research data provided by manufacturers and by other research institutes. We register reported health effects, such as poisoning or skin reactions caused by cosmetics. We also develop 'exposure models' with which manufacturers and researchers can predict the degree to which consumers will come into contact with the chemicals in a product. As yet, there is no mandatory requirement to register the chemical composition of consumer products. However, there is legislation, including the European REACH regulations, which requires manufacturers to demonstrate that all substances are used in a safe manner. RIVM plays a part in the implementation of this legislation, formulating the necessary guidelines and frameworks.
RIVM’s research provides the evidence base needed to support risk reduction measures. We examine overall exposure to chemical substances at all points in the chain.

Most of RIVM's work in the field of consumer products is commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the European Commission. Our research partners include the University of Wageningen, where researchers study how consumers actually use certain products.