Asbestos contamination crisis hits western Hungary

Extremely high concentrations of asbestos fibers have been detected in the air of western Hungary, specifically in the town of Kőszeg. Laboratory reports recorded a peak concentration of 76,394 fibers per cubic meter in one street, which is more than 76 times the health reference value of 1,000 fibers per cubic meter. Other measurements at access roads reached 2,972 fibers per cubic meter.

The contaminated material is believed to be crushed stone originating from the Steinbrücken region in Burgenland, Austria. This aggregate has been used in road surfaces, parking lots, and near public institutions. More than 300 potential sites across western Hungary have been identified, including areas in Szombathely, Sopron, and Maglódon. The contamination has been found in the vicinity of playgrounds, kindergartens, social care institutions, and schools.

Local authorities have implemented emergency measures to mitigate the risk of airborne fibers, such as traffic and access restrictions in Kőszeg and applying bitumen emulsion coatings to certain road sections in Szombathely. Residents are advised to avoid contaminated areas during dry or windy weather and to keep affected surfaces wet to prevent dust from rising. Authorities have warned against attempting to collect or break up the suspicious stones privately.