One-year pause for use of steel slag in outdoor spaces |
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Use temporarily banned in areas with direct contact
A one-year pause is being imposed on the use of steel slag on land in areas where there are health risks. This was announced by State Secretary Aartsen (Infrastructure and Water Management) in a letter to the House of Representatives. The measure applies, for example, to outdoor areas where people may come into direct contact with the material or where steel slag is used on a large scale.
| steel slag, image generated with AI |
For other forms of land use, a permit requirement will be introduced. This will allow better control over whether steel slag can be used safely. Over the coming year, further research will determine under which conditions its use is responsible, and possible alternatives will be explored.
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Although strict regulations already exist, it remains difficult in practice to completely prevent contact with water.
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health complaints and concerns about environmental damage
The temporary measure follows public concerns and warnings from organizations such as RIVM, ILT and the Netherlands Court of Audit. These bodies have long called for stricter regulations. There have been reports of skin and respiratory complaints in people who come into contact with steel slag. Nosebleeds have also been reported in children playing in areas where the material is present.
Steel slag can react with rainwater and groundwater, potentially causing environmental damage. Although strict regulations are already in place, it is proving difficult in practice to entirely prevent water contact. Further research will be conducted to assess the scale of the risks.
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Use in concrete blocks, as an aggregate in concrete or asphalt, or as a binder with less than 20 percent steel slag, remains permitted.
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use in water and concrete remains permitted
The pause does not apply to all uses. Steel slag may still be used in large bodies of water. Previous research has shown that this poses no risk to human health or the environment. Use in concrete blocks, as an aggregate in concrete or asphalt, or as a binder with less than 20 percent steel slag, also remains permitted.
The regulation will come into effect after publication in the Government Gazette.
This article was previously published on 24 July 2025 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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