News | RIVM

Gastrointestinal symptoms on the rise, but still fewer than before the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2022, the number of enteric infections – which mainly cause gastrointestinal symptoms – was higher than it was in the previous two years. However, the total number of infections was still lower than before the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety of materials and products already starts at the design phase

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management aims to ensure that all new materials and technological developments are safe in 2050.

Onderzoeker met veiligheidsbril bekijkt preparaat

EFSA agrees with RIVM that potential effect of BPA on the immune system requires further attention

RIVM expressed concerns on the effects of bisphenol a (BPA) on the immune system in a report issued in March 2016.

Health effects due to titanium nanoparticles in food and toothpaste cannot be excluded

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

RIVM recommends more stringent EU standards BPA

More stringent European standards for safe exposure of workers and consumers to bisphenol A (BPA) were proposed in 2014 and 2015.

Tool for risk assessment of nanomaterials in cosmetics

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

Nanotechnology increasingly used in medical devices

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

Cost-effective risk assessment of nanomaterials may be feasible

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

Innovation required in risk assessment of nanoparticles

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

Biobased alternatives to hormone disrupting substance in cash register receipts

Chemicals made from vegetable or animal waste may be an alternative to the use of the substance Bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper. Thermal paper is widely used for cash register receipts.