Dear local residents,
Recently, there has been national attention on the use of so-called steel slag, a residual material from steel production, which is used in hiking and biking trails, for example. It is on the market under various brand names, such as Graustabile. Recently, the Ministry of I and W advised against using this material in playgrounds, because children there are likely to have direct contact with the small stones.
Graustabile has been used in several paths in our community, including the path near the play pool in Bovenkerk. Due to recent developments, we have decided to replace the part of the path adjacent to the play area as a precautionary measure. This is also the advice of the GGD. The dust in paving with steel slag can cause temporary skin irritation or respiratory irritation if people get it on their skin or inhale it. In extreme cases, you may get nosebleeds from it. Once these temporary symptoms pass, there is no other adverse health effect. The Public Health Service advises children not to play with pebbles from the path.
We have only just realized that the material has been used at the play area. We managed to find a contractor to replace 100 meters of walkway adjacent to the playground before the summer break and before the summer festival. We would like to take advantage of that. This means that work will begin as early as Friday, June 27. The contractor will start by removing the first part of the path. After removal, a layer of sand will be applied with temporary, plastic walkway partitions over it, so the playground and play pool can be used as usual this weekend. Next week, the remaining portion of the path will be removed and then paved. We are trying to avoid inconvenience as much as possible.
We understand if you have questions. Please feel free to ask them of us. You can contact the Communications and Public Information Department by sending an email to communicatie@amstelveen.nl
Yours sincerely,
WytseEngelsman
Projects & Advice