News | RIVM

ICER 2023: Circular targets remain out of reach

The Netherlands aims to have a fully circular economy by 2050 and halve its use of raw materials by 2030. In recent years, however, little progress has been made in either regard.

RIVM describes building blocks of future-proof soil strategy

Soil use is becoming increasingly intensive. From use for agriculture and housing construction to recreation and infrastructure. At the same time, we also depend on the soil-watersystem for a healthy living environment, restore biodiversity, countering climate change, energy transition, absorption of rainwater and keeping groundwater clean.

Vaccination coverage for autumn round: Downward trend in Health & Welfare sector continues – 69% of nationwide medical high-risk groups were vaccinated

At the start of the autumn round, from mid-September 2022, the first group to be offered a repeat vaccination against COVID-19 was people with an elevated risk of a severe course of illness and care workers who have contact with patients and/or clients

Zorgmedewerker ontvangt de booster vaccinatie (Covid-19)

Urgent need for more research into environmental effects of microplastics

Additional solutions are urgently needed to limit emissions of microplastics into the environment. Growing quantities of microplastics (particles of 5 mm or less) are entering our living environment every day.

Zeef met microplastics

Circular economy: plastics recycling from end-of-life vehicles could be four times higher

At present, 85% of plastics from end-of-life vehicles is still incinerated. Only 15% of plastics is reused as a raw material. A survey conducted by RIVM has revealed possibilities to expand recovery of these plastics fourfold by 2030.

Proposed European PFAS ban officially submitted

The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway today took the first formal step towards a European ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by jointly submitting a restriction proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

More than two million invitations to get vaccinated against HPV in 2023

In early 2023, 1.3 million young adults will receive an invitation to get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This group comprises around 900,000 men and 400,000 women between the ages of 19 and 27.

Sugars and humectants in cigarettes lead to higher levels of toxins in smoke

An RIVM study reveals that adding sugars and humectants to cigarettes leads to higher emissions of a number of toxic substances in cigarette smoke.

Standard time more beneficial for public health than summer time

It is beneficial for public health in the Netherlands if we set the standard time, also referred to as winter time, throughout the year.

Dutch doctor with Lassa fever infection dies, colleague repatriated

The Dutch doctor who was treated at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) for a Lassa virus infection has passed away on 23 November.