News | RIVM

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

Growth of digital healthcare stabilised in 2023

The growth in the use of digital healthcare tools by care providers stabilised in 2023. This was mainly because most care providers were already using particular digital tools in 2022, such as the patient portal – on which patients can view the outcomes of examinations – and e-consultations (digital written contact with doctors).

RIVM European Reference Lab for vector-borne infections

The European Commission (EC) has designated RIVM as the current European Reference Lab (EURL) for vector-borne viral pathogens.

RIVM benoemd tot Europees referentielab (EURL) voor vector-overdraagbare virale infecties

Menno de Jong appointed director of RIVM Centre for Infectious Disease Control

Starting 1 May 2024, Professor Menno de Jong will take on the role of director of RIVM’s Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb) . He succeeds Jaap van Dissel, who is retiring in April 2024.

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.