News | RIVM

Metals from Essure sterilisation coils unlikely to be harmful to health

Essure is an implant used for female sterilisation. Like many other implants, such as hip implants and stents, this implant is made of metal. It is normal for such implants to release metal particles. Essure is a small implant.

MEBI: risk of serious health complaints from Rebound HRD® inguinal hernia mesh

The Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI), which is part of RIVM, has received a report about Rebound HRD® (Hernia Repair Device), an inguinal hernia mesh.

295 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2023

In 2023, 295 individuals reported one or more suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI).

MEBI: 193 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2022

In 2022, 193 individuals reported suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI). Most reports received concerned breast implants, copper IUDs and wrinkle fillers. This is highlighted in MEBI’s annual report.

Discussion regarding health-based guidance value of PFOA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a provisional health-based guidance value for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Promising biobased alternatives to controversial polar aprotic solvents

There are a number of promising biobased alternatives to controversial polar aprotic solvents, as revealed in a report from Wageningen Food & Biobased Research commissioned by RIVM .

RIVM seeks dialogue with Industry for safe and green chemistry

RIVM would like to explore possibilities to eliminate obstacles during innovation of green chemistry with industry.

Biobased alternatives to hormone disrupting substance in cash register receipts

Chemicals made from vegetable or animal waste may be an alternative to the use of the substance Bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper. Thermal paper is widely used for cash register receipts.

Promising biobased alternatives to substances of very high concern

There are many possible biobased alternatives to substances of very high concern (SVHC). Some are even ready to be deployed right away.