Paraffin washes up on Noord-, Zuid-Holland beaches

Paraffin washed ashore on the beaches in Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland over the past days. The beaches will be cleaned up over the weekend, NOS reports.

Sunbathers can visit the beaches as usual, according to Rijkswaterstaat.

The paraffin washed ashore from Noordwijk to Zandvoort and from IJmuiden to Den Helder. It can only be cleaned up at low tide.

Where the paraffin came from is not clear, though the Rijkswaterstaat believes it came from a ship that carried the substance. Some of it may have ended up in the water while the loading areas were cleaned. The Rijkswaterstaat is investigating.

Paraffin is a candle-wax like substance extracted from petroleum. It can be harmful to animals and pet owners are advised to not let their dogs eat it, according to NOS.