News | RIVM

Well-being should be considered from the start when formulating policy during pandemic, health emergency or other crisis

Monitoring well-being from the outset and throughout the duration of a pandemic, health emergency or other crisis provides helpful input in making policy choices.

Excise duty increase affects smokers: more people attempt to quit, but more people also purchase tobacco abroad

According to research by RIVM on the 2023 excise duty increase, the increased excise duty (tax) on tobacco products is having a noticeable impact on smokers' behaviour.

Study on the effectiveness of COVID-19 measures in the Netherlands

The measures implemented in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 crisis were effective against the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.

RIVM maintains advisory: avoid eating private eggs in Zuid-Holland Zuid and Altena Municipality

RIVM continues to advise against consuming private eggs from the Zuid-Holland Zuid region and the municipality of Altena. These eggs have been found to contain high levels of PFAS, as revealed by the risk assessment conducted by RIVM at 31 locations in the area.

More unhealthy behaviour among young people; their health remains vulnerable

Fewer young people aged 12 to 16 are positive about their health than in previous years. In addition, their mental health has not recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aircraft noise: Focus follow-up research on annoyance caused by peak noise levels and structurally validating models

RIVM is publishing four new studies in the context of the Programme-Based Approach to Measuring Aircraft Noise (PAMV). Two of these studies look at the quality of measurements and models.

Solar panel recycling could be more sustainable

RIVM looked into ways being developed to reuse raw materials used in solar panels. The four ways described by RIVM in this report are more sustainable than how solar panels are currently recycled.

High impact of climate change on health, more knowledge needed on relations between effects

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. RIVM analysed the health effects of climate change for the period 1991–2020. RIVM also investigated the impact of these effects and their likelihood.

Continuing significant increase in young adults with gonorrhoea

The number of people in the Netherlands with gonorrhoea is continuing to increase significantly. Diagnosed cases of this sexually transmitted infection increased by 31% in 2023, compared to 2022. These cases involved people who were tested at a sexual health centre operated by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

RIVM recommends a standardised design for e-cigarettes to reduce e-cigarette appeal

Features like a sleek design, technical add-ons such as Bluetooth, and ease of concealment are examples that make e-cigarettes attractive to young people, according to research by RIVM. That is why RIVM recommends policymakers to consider implementing a standardised design for e-cigarettes