News | RIVM

Heike Schmitt appointed as professor of ‘Antibiotic resistance in the water cycle’

Heike Schmitt, a senior researcher at RIVM, has been appointed as professor of ‘Antibiotic resistance in the water cycle‘ within the Department of Biotechnology at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).

No measures needed after investigation of substances similar to banned substances in plant protection products

RIVM investigated the substances found in plant protection products in use today. It looked for substances that are similar in structure to five banned substances. There is strong evidence that these banned substances can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Upward trend in SARS-CoV-2 infections continues

Infections with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are continuing to increase in the Netherlands. More and more people with COVID-19 are turning up in the test lanes of the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs), in nursing homes and in hospitals.

More people sick as a result of food from their own kitchen

In 2021, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD) received 14% more reports of outbreaks of food-related infections than in 20

Energy transition makes high-risk companies more vulnerable to power failures

RIVM research shows that companies working with large amounts of hazardous materials are not always well-prepared for power failures, which can lead to accidents. Due to the transition to sustainable energy, ever more factory processes are using electricity.

New calculation method reveals environmental impact of healthcare sector

Climate change has a major impact on health and the environment. The converse is also true, as the healthcare sector is a major contributor to emissions, pollution and waste.

foto overhandigen de auteurs Susanne Waaijers- van der Loop en Michelle Steenmeijer het rapport aan minister Kuipers

Start of invitations for the seasonal flu vaccination

The invitation for the seasonal flu vaccination will land on your doormat this autumn. The flu vaccination protects people who are more likely to become ill or seriously ill from flu because of their age or medical condition.

Public opinion: keep society open and continue providing healthcare during COVID-19 surge

In the long-term approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch government is assigning a key role to civil society and private citizens. When asked what their priorities are in that context, the answer was to prevent delays in surgical interventions.

Age may play a role in the risk of asbestos cancer from short-term exposure

On average it takes roughly 40 years for amphibole asbestos to lead to mesothelioma after inhalation. An individual’s age at the time of exposure therefore affects the probability of their developing cancer (at a later stage).

Repeat vaccination against COVID-19 now also available for over-60s

People aged 60 to 69 years (and people who turn 60 this year) will also have the opportunity to make an appointment for an extra COVID-19 vaccination. Minister Kuipers decided this based on advice from the Health Council of the Netherlands.