News | RIVM

New risk limits for 18 pesticides in surface water

Evidence suggests that existing standards for some of these substances do not sufficiently protect the ecosystem. For others, no standards exist yet or the existing standards are outdated. If these

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.

More attention needed for potential impact of drug waste on drinking water quality

Drug waste contains substances that are harmful to the quality of drinking water. Because this waste is dumped illegally, these substances can end up in sources of drinking water.

Potential effects of the reuse of building material on soil quality

In a circular economy, building materials have a longer life cycle and are reused in innovative ways. Reusing building materials is sustainable, but can also be risky as building materials may contain contaminants such as heavy metals.

Sustained avian flu outbreak is the most remarkable outbreak in 2021 discussed in Zoonoses Report

The outbreak of the H5N1 variant of avian flu was the most remarkable outbreak in 2021. In October of that year, the Netherlands experienced the start of the biggest outbreak of avian flu since 2003.

Grey heron infected with West Nile virus

A grey heron in the Noord-Holland-Noord region has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The virus is rare in the Netherlands.

Bas van de Meulengraaf

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

Nitrate leaching on derogation farms in sandy regions continues to rise

Nitrate leaching on ‘derogation farms’ has risen in recent years, most likely due to the drought experienced throughout the Netherlands in 2018 and regionally in both 2019 and 2020.

Pressure drainage can be a cost-effective technology to reduce CO2 emissions in peatland areas

Pressure drainage can in some cases help to reduce CO2 emissions in peatland areas. This intervention is very expensive and only cost-effective when it sufficiently reduces CO2 emissions.

Estimated costs of foodborne infections 140 million euros lower in 2020

In 2020, the estimated costs of foodborne infections in the Netherlands were 140 million euros lower than in the preceding year. This corresponds to a 30% decrease.

ANP