RIVM advises government authorities to involve ‘key persons’ in formulating policy for current and future pandemics. Results from RIVM research show that these individuals played a key role in ensuring an ongoing focus on social well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the limitations.

In a circular economy, building materials have a longer life cycle and are reused in innovative ways. Reusing building materials is sustainable, but can also be risky as building materials may contain contaminants such as heavy metals.

An employee of vaccine manufacturer Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio) has been infected with a poliovirus. The virus was found in a stool sample provided by the employee. The employee concerned is now in isolation.

On 1 November 2022, RIVM announced that its list of top-100  ammonia emitters was compiled using incorrect emission factors for some types of livestock housing. RIVM has investigated whether the erroneous data had also been used in other RIVM products.

In 2021, the number of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Netherlands rose slightly compared to the preceding year: up to 680 TB patients from 622 in 2020. However, the 2021 number was lower than the number for 2019 (754 patients).

Employees sometimes come into contact with hazardous substances at work. RIVM has compiled a list of 1,400 hazardous substances for which the European Commission has not yet set an occupational exposure limit.

Employees of Dutch Railways (NS) may have been exposed to chromium (VI) between 1970 and 2020. Although it is not known exactly how often or how much this occurred, it is reasonable to assume that NS employees who were exposed to chromium (VI) may develop certain medical conditions.

In 2021, fewer people contracted diseases for which vaccines are offered under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) than before the coronavirus pandemic. This is very likely largely due to the impact of the coronavirus measures, such as social distancing and hand washing.

By optimising collaboration when purchasing products and services, the government can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This was the conclusion of a study by the National Institute for Public Health and Environmental Protection (RIVM) into so-called 'buyer groups'.

High levels of PAHs and metals, including lead, have once again been found in coarse dust particles deposited in the vicinity of the premises of the Tata Steel company. This is according to new measurements taken by RIVM this spring.