News | RIVM

Radioactive material used in hospitals detected in sewage water

RIVM has, for the first time, investigated the possibility of detecting radioactive substances in sewage. This appears to be the case, as RIVM has found iodine-131 and lutetium-177. Hospitals use these substances in the treatment of patients.

Remove ticks quickly, reduce your risk of Lyme disease

Ticks are active again, as shown by the increase in tick bite reports on Tekenradar.nl. Quick action is important: the faster you remove a tick after it bites you, the lower your risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Low level of radon in groundwater and drinking water in The Netherlands

The determination of radon in a number of groundwater and finished drinking water samples from the Dutch provinces Overijssel and Limburg show a low level of radon.

Step forward in the battle against pertussis

Addition of an extra adjuvant (additive) to the current pertussis vaccines could enhance the effectivity of these vaccines.

European directors meeting IANPHI

On 14 and 15 April the European directors of national public health institutes (NPHIs) are present in Bilthoven to share knowledge, discuss topical issues and identify areas where a joint approach

Higher incidence of obesity and high blood pressure in new adult generations

Younger generations are more at risk of developing health problems due to obesity and high blood pressure than previous generations.

One-quarter of lowest educated obese

Among people aged 25 and older who have completed primary education at most, one-quarter are obese (seriously overweight). Among university graduates this figure is 6 percent.

Preliminary assessment of dietary exposure to 3-MCPD in the Netherlands

During the production of refined vegetable oils and fats, and especially palm oil, a process contaminant called 3-MCPD is formed.

Lab tests alone not conclusive for diagnosis of Lyme disease

Lyme disease can cause a variety of complaints in patients. Laboratory tests for the disease can support medical practitioners in making a diagnosis but are not necessarily conclusive.

Jacob van Klaveren appointed as guest Professor at the Technical University of Denmark

On 15 March 2016, Jacob van Klaveren was appointed as guest Professor in risk-benefit analyses at the Technical University of Denmark, DTU.