8 hours Ago By Hanneke Sanou
Steel slag has been used in construction projects all over the Netherlands and pollution is widespread, according to an investigation by NU.nl. Investico and the Groene Amsterdammer.
The investigation uncovered at least 115 locations where steel slag, a byproduct of steel production containing heavy metals, has been used in the construction of cycle paths, roads and coastal reinforcements. The latter may be contribut ing to the decline of lobsters and mussels in the Oosterschelde estuary, experts said earlier. It is the first time steel slag use has been charted but experts said the map is far from complete.
Last week, environment agency ILT repeated its warning that steel slag has leached into the groundwater and soil in nine out of 10 places, calling its use “too risky”. The use of the byproduct is not currently bound by environmental legislation and MPs have called for stricter rules, while some local councils have stopped using it altogether. According to toxicologist Paul Scheepers, the use of steel slag in urban areas such as in childrens’ playgrounds, cemeteries and other public spaces, increases the risk of people carrying dust containing heavy metals into their homes which may be detrimental to their health.
Ellen Brand, a researcher at public health organisation RIVM, who investigated cycle paths in Drente , said the presence of steel slag needs further investigation. Most local councils and provinces do not have a register of the materials used in infrastructure projects and the number of places discovered so far is “the tip pf the iceberg”, the investigators said. The Hague council officials recently made a start to find out where steel slag had been used after children started coughing and having eye problems at a playground because of windblown steel slag dust.
Some 18 places were found and will be cleaned up, the council said, and the material will no longer be used. Junior infrastructure minister Chris Jansen haws said he will study proposals to tighten up the use of steel slag..
