The temporary emergency regulation applies, for example, to applications of steel slag in locations where direct contact is possible or for large-scale use. For other applications on land, a permit requirement will be introduced to ensure safe use. In the interim, more research will be conducted on how steel slag can be used safely, and alternative applications will be explored.
Secretary of State Thierry Aartsen: “Safety is my top priority. Reports and signals from practice indicate health risks for people and animals in places where steel slag is used. With current regulations, we cannot guarantee the safe use of steel slag. That is why we are now pressing the pause button. During that pause, we can conduct thorough research into the risks and possible alternative uses.”
The impetus for these measures is partly the societal unrest regarding the risks of using steel slag, as well as reports from the RIVM, the ILT, and the Court of Audit, which urged intervention. Regularly, signals are received about skin and respiratory irritations, and, for example, nosebleeds in children playing in areas where steel slag has been applied. It is known that problems arise when steel slag comes into contact with rain or groundwater. Therefore, there are already strict requirements for use, but in practice, it proves difficult to completely prevent this contact. The risks of environmental damage from the use of steel slag are also insufficiently clear. These signals will be further investigated in the coming period. At the same time, alternatives for the use of steel slag are being explored in collaboration with companies.
The pause button does not apply to all applications. For example, use in large surface water remains permitted. Earlier research has already shown that there are no health or environmental risks associated with it. The same applies to situations where steel slag has been processed into concrete stone, used as aggregate in concrete or asphalt, or used as a binder with a percentage of less than 20%. There, the use of steel slag poses no risk. The pause regulation will come into effect after publication in the State Gazette.