News | RIVM

Self-sampling device to be sent automatically, making it easier to take part in cervical cancer screening

From the first week of July, every woman turning 30 will receive a self-sampling device with their invitation for cervical cancer screening. Participants can use this device to collect their own vaginal material.

No major change in air quality in the Netherlands in 2022

The overall air quality in 2022 was slightly worse than in 2021. Weather conditions such as temperature and drought played an important role in this difference. This is according to the large-scale concentration maps published by RIVM each year.

Rapid developments in modern biotechnology are a challenge for risk assessment

Due to developments in modern biotechnology, such as genome editing, synthetic biology and regulation of gene expression, many new applications are expected in the next ten years.

Bacteriophages: insufficient understanding of phage treatment of human infections

Bacteriophages are viruses that can kill bacteria. The question is whether bacteriophages can be used to treat infections in humans.

National Action Plan for sexual health

The Dutch National Action Plan for STI, HIV and sexual health describes the most important goals for the next five years.

Greenhouse gas emissions slightly down in 2017

Despite the growth of the economy, greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands in 2017 were1 percent lower than in the previous year.

Addictive nicotine and harmful substances also present in heated tobacco

Heated tobacco products are newly available on the market. An example of such a product is the heatstick which is heated with an iQOS, a device that looks like an e-cigarette.

Continued high effectiveness of vaccines against Hib disease

A recent study by RIVM and AMC shows that the effectiveness of vaccination against Hib is still high.

RIVM withdraws from tobacco committees

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment will leave the NEN/CEN/ISO committees for tobacco and e-cigarettes with immediate effect.

RIVM advises on health risks after using make-up with asbestos

RIVM was asked to give advice to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate in the Netherlands after asbestos was found in two make-up products.