News | RIVM

Research into safe distance for battery energy storage systems

One new development in the energy sector is the temporary storage of renewable energy. For example, energy can be stored in a community battery.

Number of tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands increased in 2023 compared to 2022

In 2023, 710 people in the Netherlands were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). This was 12 per cent more than in 2022, when there were 634. In 2023, 471 patients had pulmonary TB. Of these 417 patients, 213 had open TB – the most contagious type.

In 2023 more Dutch people play sports on a weekly basis

In 2023, 56% of the Dutch population aged four and over played sports at least once a week. This figure marks an increase from 53% in 2022. Notably, the percentage of individuals with physical disabilities who played sports weekly saw a significant rise, from 23% to 29%.

More than 3% of adults and 5% of young people have persistent symptoms after COVID-19

More than 3% of adults (aged 26+) reported having persistent long-term symptoms after an infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, sometimes lasting several years. This is also known as post-COVID or Long COVID. About 5% of young people aged 12–25 years are experiencing these symptoms.

Obesity rate tripled over past 40 years

In 2023, 16% of people in the Netherlands aged 20 and over were classified as obese (with a Body Mass Index (BMI(Body Mass Index)) of 30 or above) – more than three times as much as in 1981, the first year of record.

RIVM advises against using products containing the herbs Huperzia serrata, Tabernanthe iboga or Ashwagandha

Consuming food supplements or tea that contain the herbs Huperzia serrata, Tabernanthe iboga or Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) can be harmful to health. RIVM has identified the risks of these herbs and advises consumers, and especially pregnant women, against using products that contain them.

Nitrogen and nature approach shows progress towards 2030, but targets are out of reach

The nitrogen and nature measures that the government has implemented since 2021 are expected to make a positive contribution to the future quality of nature. The average exceedance of the critical loads for nitrogen deposition will decrease by a third up to 2030.

RIVM method helps permit issuers assess mixtures of SVHCs

RIVM has developed a method to assess the extent to which mixtures of Substances of Very High Concern harm the environment. Environmental services and other permit issuers can use the method and the maps to determine whether they should issue a permit.

Many serious cases of whooping cough among newborn babies in the Netherlands

The number of newborn babies in the Netherlands who are seriously ill due to whooping cough has been increasingly rapidly in recent weeks. About 110 confirmed cases of whooping cough are now being diagnosed every week among children in the Netherlands, including nearly 20 infants.

Start of rotavirus vaccinations

This week saw the start of babies being vaccinated against the rotavirus. This vaccination is included in the Dutch National Immunisation Programme as of this year. All parents of babies born on or after 1 January 2024 will receive an invitation for this.