News | RIVM

New Stookwijzer criteria based on nuisance

RIVM has reviewed the criteria of the Stookwijzer. Based on these new insights, RIVM recommends that households do not light wood fires in winds of 2 or less on the Beaufort scale. In such circumstances, the Stookwijzer will issue a code red.

RIVM: be cautious when using nutritional supplements containing Mucuna pruriens

Herbal preparations that contain Mucuna pruriens seeds are sold online in the Netherlands. RIVM has examined whether these preparations are harmful to health. Very little scientific information about Mucuna pruriens is publicly available.

Precipitation led to nitrate decrease in groundwater on derogation farms in 2023

Nitrate concentrations in the groundwater have been decreasing in all soil types since 2021. This decrease is due to a number of factors, including due to increased precipitation following the dry spell between 2018 and 2020.

Metals from Essure sterilisation coils unlikely to be harmful to health

Essure is an implant used for female sterilisation. Like many other implants, such as hip implants and stents, this implant is made of metal. It is normal for such implants to release metal particles. Essure is a small implant.

New research portal for people with post-COVID

Starting today, people with post-COVID can sign up to take part in scientific research. They can register through the national portal at postcovidonderzoek.nl, which is part of the Post-COVID Network Netherlands.

Chance of smog due to ozone in Overijssel, Drenthe, and Groningen

On Thursday, June 27, the air quality in Overijssel, Drenthe, and Groningen is expected to be "poor" due to ozone smog. People who are sensitive to smog may be affected

Increase in STI consultations in 2023, gonorrhoea sees largest rise in cases

In 2023, more people had themselves tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The total number of consultations at Sexual Health Centres (SHCs) was 172,113. That represents an increase of 4% compared to 2022.

MEBI: risk of serious health complaints from Rebound HRD® inguinal hernia mesh

The Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI), which is part of RIVM, has received a report about Rebound HRD® (Hernia Repair Device), an inguinal hernia mesh.

Vaccination coverage of babies and toddlers remained about the same, but decreased among older children

The percentage of babies and toddlers that were vaccinated in the framework of the National Immunisation Programme remained about the same compared to last year. In children aged 9 years and older, vaccination coverage continued to decrease for most of the national childhood immunisations.

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