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.
Dutch consumers can eat healthier and more environmentally sustainable for the same amount of money The Dutch diet can be healthier and more environmentally sustainable without costing consumers more money. This holds for all socio-economic groups in the Netherlands. This concludes Reina Vellinga (RIVM) in her doctoral thesis. Even with minor adjustments, our diet becomes much healthier and with less impact on the environment.
New version of NEVO with updated data on meat and dairy substitutes Today, RIVM will publish the new version of the Dutch Food Composition Database (Nederlands Voedingsstoffenbestand, NEVO). This contains information on the composition of more than 2,300 foods.
Metabolic disorder ALD added to newborn blood spot screening Since 1 October, the metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) has been added to the Dutch newborn blood spot screening. From now on, the blood of newborn boys will also be tested for this disorder. ALD in boys can be treated if it is detected in time.
Direct link between Tata Steel emissions, nuisance and risk of disease The current level of emissions from the Tata Steel site is putting people who live in the IJmond region at an elevated risk of disease. The greatest benefits to public health in the region can be achieved by reducing nuisance caused by and exposure to Tata Steel emissions. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM.
Mercury in Groningen’s natural gas not harmful to health Mercury can be naturally present in natural gas. This mercury can end up in your home, especially if you use a natural gas cooker. In 2014, the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM) calculated exposure to mercury at daily peak moments.
Safe recycling of textiles possible, but still in its infancy Textiles are produced using chemicals. Although many hazardous chemicals may no longer be used in textile production, they may still be present in donations of old clothing. RIVM has conducted a study into the safety of recycled textiles.
RIVM formulates criteria for R&D of sustainable pharmaceuticals As part of an international research project, RIVM has formulated criteria for R&D of sustainable new pharmaceuticals. These GREENER criteria are an important first step to develop pharmaceuticals that do not impact the environment..
Antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance remain stable Antibiotic resistance in the Netherlands remained stable in 2021 compared with the five previous years. This is evident from the 2022 annual NethMap/MARAN report.
From 1 June 2022, heel prick test also screens for muscle disease SMA, bringing number of screened diseases to 26 From 1 June 2022, the heel prick test for Dutch newborns will also screen for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a serious hereditary muscle condition. Detecting this disease at an early stage enables early treatment.