Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

More than 150 people in the Netherlands have reported infections and, in some cases, lasting damage to their ears after receiving piercings at LM Piercings in Coevorden, a town in the province of Drenthe. The infections are linked to a self-made salt spray used for aftercare, which was found to be contaminated with bacteria.

The first signals of a problem reached the GGD Drenthe (municipal health service) in late 2024, following reports from Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctors of a surge in patients presenting with unusual ear infections. The GGD subsequently tested samples of the salt spray produced by LM Piercings owner Leon Bothof. According to GGD-arts Siem Looijen, the majority of tested bottles contained bacterial growth. “People were essentially spraying water with bacteria into a fresh piercing, allowing the bacteria to grow,” Looijen stated to RTV Drenthe.

LM Piercings owner Leon Bothof claims he had been producing the spray for six years, in consultation with the GGD, and that previous inspections had always approved of the aftercare method. “We always indicated during each inspection that the aftercare involved using salt spray. The GGD always approved this,” Bothof told RTV Drenthe. However, the GGD disputes this account, stating they advised Bothof to switch to a different spray in March 2024. Bothof continued to offer the self-made spray until late January 2026, when the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) informed him of the bacterial contamination, at which point he removed it from sale.

The infections reported by customers range in severity from redness and itching to prolonged pain, inflammation, and, in some instances, permanent damage. Fourteen-year-ancient Lisa Doldersum from Hardenberg required hospital treatment after receiving a helix piercing at LM Piercings in December 2024. She described the piercing process as rough and experienced significant bleeding. Her doctor advised immediate removal of the piercing and prescribed antibiotics. Another fourteen-year-old, Tess, has been left with a misformed ear as a result of the infection, according to RTL Nieuws.

Bothof expressed his distress over the situation, stating to NOS, “This is just unbelievable, it deeply affects my wife and me.” He acknowledged reports of infections occurring before the GGD’s control, but suggested these may have had different causes, stating that infections can occur with any piercing, but that infections with “green, smelly pus” were not seen before November.

As of February 15, 2026, the GGD Drenthe has registered over 150 complaints. The health service continues to investigate the extent of the contamination and is working to support affected individuals. The RIVM has not yet released a comprehensive report on the specific bacteria found in the spray, and the long-term health consequences for those infected remain unclear.

The unusually cold January of 2026, with an average temperature of 2.5°C in De Bilt – significantly lower than the long-term average of 3.6°C – is prompting concerns about higher energy bills for Dutch households. The cold snap, the most severe since 2017, is driving up gas consumption as heating systems work harder to maintain indoor temperatures.

Energy companies have reported a surge in gas demand, with consumption levels up to 60% higher than during average winter temperatures. This increase isn’t necessarily due to households using more energy inefficiently, but rather a direct consequence of greater heat loss from homes and the extended operation of heating systems, according to industry sources.

The rising demand coincides with reduced energy production from renewable sources, specifically solar and wind power, due to shorter days and less favorable weather conditions. This combination of increased demand and decreased supply is placing pressure on the energy market.

The current low levels of gas storage in the Netherlands are exacerbating these concerns. Reports indicate that gas reserves have fallen to approximately 20 percent of capacity, raising the possibility of shortages and price volatility. This situation leaves the country heavily reliant on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports, particularly from the United States, increasing vulnerability to international market fluctuations.

While a cold winter doesn’t automatically translate to exorbitant energy bills, the risk of needing to make additional payments is heightened for those whose consumption exceeds last year’s levels, those with energy contracts based on milder winter forecasts, and those with dynamic contracts that don’t automatically adjust to consumption patterns. A typical household can expect to pay around 20 euros extra per week during a cold spell, though the ultimate impact on monthly bills remains difficult to predict due to the complexities of annual contracts and potential compensation from warmer periods later in the year.

Experts advise homeowners to take steps to conserve energy, but emphasize that the overall impact on individual bills will depend on a multitude of factors, including home size, insulation quality, and whether residents are working from home. The Telegraaf reports on available energy-saving tips, but the long-term effects of the current cold snap on national energy reserves and pricing remain uncertain.