Committee on the Identification of Environmental and Health Issues

Studying the effects of our living environment on health is approached in an increasingly international way. This trend is understandable, given that environmental effects do not recognise national borders. The effects of measures aimed at limiting risks are also felt internationally. Moreover, successful intervention requires joint effort.

As such, monitoring developments on health and the environment is a permanent activity of the Health Council of the Netherlands. In this context, the Council assesses the strength of scientific indications for certain environmental effects and their significance to the Netherlands. The findings are presented in advisory reports provided at the council’s own initiative.

This activity is a permanent part of the Living Environment domain.

The membership of the committee may differ from one advice to another. Because a permanent committee addresses more than one topic, potential conflicts of interests of committee members will be re-evaluated at the start of each advisory process. The composition of the committee by advice can be found on the last page of the advisory report.

Members

  • Prof. E. Lebret, Professor of Environmental Health Impact Assessment, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, chair
  • Prof. L. van de Grift, Professor of International history in relation to the environment, Department of History and Art History, Utrecht University
  • Dr P.J. van den Hazel, Physician, Specialist in Environmental Medicine, Public Health Service Central Gelderland, Arnhem
  • Prof. M. Huijbregts, Professor of Integrated Environmental Assessment, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen
  • Prof. H. van Lente, Professor of Science and Technology Studies, Maastricht University
  • Prof. J.P. van der Sluijs, Professor of Theory of Science & Ethics of the Natural Sciences , University of Bergen, Norway; Associate Professor Emerging Risks, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development, Utrecht University
  • Dr Y.M.R. Vendrig-de Punder, assistant-professor UMC Utrecht, Julius Centrum, dept. Public Health; Doctor Society + Health, Medical Environmental Science, KNMG 
  • Prof. F. de Vocht, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
  • Prof. A.P. van Wezel, Professor of Environmental Ecology and Scientific Director IBED (Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics), University of Amsterdam

Observers:

  • E. Haan MSc, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, The Hague
  • M.A. Hoorweg MSc, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, The Hague

Scientific Secretaries:

  • Dr M.J. Alssema, Health Council, The Hague
  • J.W. Dogger MSc, Health Council, The Hague
  • M.B. Meerwijk, Health Council, The Hague
  • Dr F.J.M. Mölenberg, Health Council, The Hague