ESBL is an enzyme, produced by certain bacteria, which makes these bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Health effects due to exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles via food, food supplements and toothpaste cannot be excluded.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. In the Netherlands, some bacteria that can cause infections in people are more frequently resistant to antibiotics used as a last resort.

Both regulators and manufacturers need to evaluate and manage consumer health risks that may be posed by the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics.

The application of nanotechnology to design and produce medical devices is increasing. RIVM provides an overview of nanotechnology enabled medical devices.

Wednesday, 18 November is European Antibiotic Awareness Day. On this day, attention throughout Europe is requested for the responsible use of antibiotics in people and animals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published its first CAESAR annual report 2014.

Over recent years, antibiotic resistance to most agents has remained stable in the Netherlands, and the use of antibiotics has slightly decreased.

Companies, authorities and scientists can save time, money and test animals in the risk assessment of nanomaterials by using available data.

The currently existing models and techniques provide insufficient certainties in the assessment of the harmfulness of nanoparticles and nanomaterials to people and the environment.