Hungarian city faces health risk after asbestos-linked gravel traced to Austrian quarries

A serious environmental and public health risk has emerged in Szombathely, western Hungary, where nearly 100,000 tonnes of asbestos-contaminated gravel may have been used in road construction.

Speaking at an extraordinary municipal assembly, the city’s mayor, Nemény András, said that several Austrian quarries had released gravel containing asbestos with official approval. According to him, large quantities reached Hungary without any notification, and one of the operators has already acknowledged responsibility.

The case has also drawn the attention of Greenpeace. Its Austrian branch has filed a criminal complaint against the operator of a quarry in Pilgersdorf. The organisation claims authorities had been aware of asbestos contamination at the site for years, yet a civil protection exercise involving hundreds of participants was still held there in autumn 2025 without protective equipment.

Greenpeace believes the same source may be linked to contaminated material that has reached several locations in western Hungary.

In recent years, the affected gravel was used in multiple locations in Szombathely as a base layer on unpaved roads. In such conditions, dust can easily be stirred up, allowing asbestos fibres to become airborne. While the city has already introduced temporary measures, resolving the situation is likely to require government intervention.

Asbestos is particularly dangerous because its microscopic fibres, once inhaled, remain in the lungs and may cause serious illnesses decades later.

“Under normal circumstances, this would require measures similar to those taken during the red sludge disaster. Even if it is not as visible – since it spreads through the air – the scale of the damage and its impact on human health could be just as serious,” the mayor said.

Residential areas and thousands of people may be affected

The highest concentration of airborne asbestos fibres was measured in the so-called Olad plateau area. However, the mayor stressed that the issue extends far beyond this location: around 12 kilometres of roads may be affected, potentially exposing thousands of residents, including families with young children.

Due to prevailing wind conditions, nearby residential areas – and possibly other parts of the city – may also be at risk. In some locations, levels were found to be up to a hundred times above the permitted threshold.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that private individuals had also purchased the contaminated material in recent years and used it in driveways and gardens. Many families are now concerned about possible health consequences.

How asbestos can cause serious disease

Asbestos consists of microscopic, needle-like fibres that can easily become airborne and inhaled. Once inside the lungs, these fibres cannot be broken down or expelled, and over time they may cause inflammation and serious diseases, including asbestosis.

One of the most concerning aspects is the long latency period: symptoms may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure. Current treatments can only extend life expectancy, while full recovery remains extremely rare.

Covering contaminated roads seen as the most viable solution

According to the mayor, removing the contaminated material is not a realistic option. Excavating the affected 12 kilometres of roads could take up to a year, generate significant amounts of hazardous dust, and cost billions of forints.

Instead, the city is considering sealing the contaminated surfaces using a protective covering and subsequent road surfacing. However, experts warn that proper containment measures, including edging, will be necessary to prevent the spread of fibres.

The mayor added that the city has already received indications that emergency government funding may be made available to support the required interventions.

In a separate development highlighting wider economic pressures, Electrolux plans to close its refrigeration plant in Jászberény by the end of 2026, affecting hundreds of workers.

The cover image is for illustrative purposes. Photo: depositphotos.com