News | RIVM

Perceived health impact of COVID-19 pandemic differs widely among vulnerable people

The health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated measures is perceived very differently by vulnerable groups in society.

Half of post-traumatic stress disorder related to pandemic

In autumn 2022, 3.7% of adults in the Netherlands were suffering from suspected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

man die met zijn rechterhand zijn hoofd ondersteunt

Smokers inhale more tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide when measured with WHO method

RIVM has measured the amount of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) in all filter cigarettes sold in the Netherlands with the WHO Intense method.

New study confirms: people in the Netherlands ingest too much PFAS

People in the Netherlands are ingesting too much levels of PFAS through food and drinking water. New research by RIVM confirms this. However, the total quantity of PFAS is lower than previously calculated.

Model for projecting COVID-19 hospital and ICU admissions, complete with code

RIVM has published the code for model projections of COVID-19 hospital and ICU admissions. The code has been shared as part of a manuscript about the model.

No major change in air quality in the Netherlands in 2022

The overall air quality in 2022 was slightly worse than in 2021. Weather conditions such as temperature and drought played an important role in this difference. This is according to the large-scale concentration maps published by RIVM each year.

Concerns over falling vaccination coverage within National Immunisation Programme

The percentage of children vaccinated within the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) has fallen for the second year in a row, according to the 2022 report ‘Vaccination Coverage and Annual Report of the Dutch National Immunisation Programme'. RIVM is concerned about this decline.

More STIs diagnosed in 2022, most significant increase in gonorrhoea

More people got tested for an STI at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) in 2022 than in 2021. There were a total of 164,715 consultations at SHCs. The percentage of people found to have an STI (21%) was also higher than in 2021.

Fewer people feel healthy

In 2022, 7 out of 10 adults in the Netherlands perceived their own health as good or very good. In late 2020, this was still 8 out of 10 people. Furthermore, there are large differences between regions and population groups in this regard.

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.