Toxic asbestos found in Austrian parks, roads, and clinics sparks urgent probe
Asbestos has been discovered in public areas of Burgenland, including a skatepark and a clinic. The harmful mineral was also found in roadside curbs and rolled chippings in Styria, raising concerns about exposure risks. Authorities have now launched an investigation into the source of the contamination.
A task force in Burgenland has collected samples from four quarries linked to the contaminated sites. Preliminary air quality results are expected next week, with a full analysis due in four weeks. Officials have stated there is no immediate health threat but warn that long-term monitoring is necessary for a proper assessment.
Austrian law currently lacks strict controls on naturally occurring asbestos in rock. While the Gefahrstoffverordnung (GefStoffV) bans extraction and processing of asbestos-bearing material above 0.1% by mass, quarries and building materials like slate or marble remain largely unregulated. The upcoming 2025 amendments will tighten rules for man-made asbestos in demolition and maintenance but still leave gaps for geogenic asbestos.
Germany, in contrast, enforces stricter regulations under its Hazardous Substances Ordinance. Austrian experts argue that the current Chemicals Act only covers products with intentionally added asbestos, allowing naturally contaminated rock to be distributed freely. The task force is now pushing for federal intervention, claiming state-level measures are insufficient and that EU restrictions do not address the issue.
The findings have prompted calls for tighter regulations on quarry operations and building materials. Without federal action, the distribution of asbestos-bearing rock could continue unchecked. Authorities will review the upcoming test results to determine further steps.
