Disposal of asbestos and products containing asbestos in Poland

Abstract

The paper makes analyses and evaluation of work progress in asbestos inventory, as well as removal asbestos and asbestos products in Poland in regional scale (i.e., the voivodeships—the state reported until 30th June 2017). Factors, both the ones which caused asbestos ‘presence’ in Poland related with historical conditioning (i.e., various level of asbestos implementation in economy, building, industry, etc.), but also strictly economic factors, observed in the country after First and Second World War and which at present influence quantity of asbestos removed, were discussed. It was clearly observed in the light of research that quantity of asbestos and asbestos-derived products is significantly much higher in eastern and central regions of Poland, which is a consequence of historical–economic conditions. Moreover, it was indicated that the goals included in ‘The Program for Asbestos Abatement in Poland for 2009–2032’ have not been implemented with expected results. Slow rate of asbestos and products containing asbestos removal in the country makes us suppose that the goals of ‘The Program for Asbestos Abatement in Poland for 2009–2032’ will not be completed successfully.