We are the Ruhr District Institute of Hygiene

In the heart of the Ruhr area and active worldwide

In our densely populated region with more than 5 million people, hygiene is a real challenge. Drinking water supply and wastewater treatment, waste disposal and contaminated sites, product testing, and product recycling: all this requires our utmost attention. In the Ruhr region, in Europe, and also worldwide.

Our history is our mission

The founding of the Hygiene Institute at the beginning of the 20th century can be traced back to Robert Koch. When a typhus epidemic claimed many victims in Gelsenkirchen in late summer 1901, Koch demanded drastic measures to improve and monitor water quality. As early as May 1902, the newly founded Hygiene Institute began its work under the umbrella of an independent supporting association.

Competent and independent

With its ideal combination of experience, expertise, and independence, the Hygiene Institute is one of the largest and most modern institutions of its kind in Europe.

Our tradition is our commitment. You can rely on it.

Preventive environmental and health protection

The focal points of our work are the critical (environmental) issues of our time, which are crucial for our modern society. Environmental protection and consumer health protection are priority work areas of our institute. We regularly test natural resources (water, soil, air). We detect building pollutants and other contaminants. And we test products before they are launched on the market to prevent adverse effects on drinking water or food and protect people's health.

Use our website

You can find information about our institute and its supporting association under "The Institute". Details on our range of services await you under "Our services".

Our laboratories are accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018; we are a recognized drinking water testing laboratory. Details under "Quality without compromise".

The fastest way for us to respond to inquiries is by e-mail. We will be happy to prepare an offer tailored to your requirements.