Steel slag in Nuenen
It was recently found that steel slag had been used on a number of hiking and biking trails in the municipality of Nuenen. Steel slag is hard, stony residue created when steel is made. Contact with this material can potentially cause health risks and environmental damage.
What actions is the municipality taking?
The Municipal Executive decided this week that, effective immediately, no materials containing steel slag may be used within the municipality of Nuenen.
It has also been decided in the short term to remove loose pebbles as much as possible on all paths in the municipality of Nuenen where steel slag is now used as semi-paving. This will reduce the risk of people coming into contact with the material.
For the longer term, we are still investigating what best to do with the locations where steel slag has now been identified. When we know more about this, you will read about it on this webpage.
Do not let children play with the pebbles
In Nuenen-West's Slotpark, steel slag has been used on the walking paths(not under the playground equipment). With normal use, such as walking and cycling, there is no direct contact with the material and the GGD does not expect negative health effects. However, because many children walk and play in Slot Park, contact is less easily ruled out. The advice is to let children come into contact with the pebbles as little as possible.
Questions or more information
Do you still have questions? Please contact us at the Customer Contact Center: (040) 2631 631.
Or read the frequently asked questions and answers below.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is steel slag?
Steel slag is released in steel mills and is often used as a construction material after processing. They are residual products created in the production of steel and can be recognized as stony material. Because they are sturdy, they are useful material for road or path construction.
Steel slag has a high pH. Because of this, the material is corrosive and can irritate your skin and the mucous membranes in your eyes, nose and throat. This happens only when you come in contact with dust from steel slag. The symptoms disappear when you are no longer in contact with the dust. The GGD website has more information about possible health risks from steel slag.
Is the use of steel slag prohibited?
No, the use of steel slag is not prohibited (yet). However, from July 23, 2025, stricter rules will apply. The temporary regulation applies for at least one year (until July 2026). During that time, the government is doing more research into risks. After that, a decision will follow as to whether stricter rules or a ban will apply. You can read more about this on the Rijksoverheid website.
After July 23, 2025, products containing steel slag are no longer used in the municipality of Nuenen.
At what locations in Nuenen municipality have steel slag been used?
There are several semi-paved areas in the municipality of Nuenen that contain steel slag (see Map), including on the walking paths in the Slotpark.
What should I do if I suspect a site in Nuenen municipality where steel slag may have been used?
If you think that steel slag has been used at a certain location in Nuenen municipality, you can report this to us through the online public space reporting point.
Which product containing steel slag was used in the municipality of Nuenen?
The product that has been used, among others, in Nuenen West's Slotpark is "BGS Pad. BGS Pad consists in part of steel slag. At the time of the park's construction and completion, this product was a certified construction material specifically prescribed for bicycle and walking paths, among other things.