Abstract / Summary
Abstract The efficiency of asbestos waste management in Małopolska Voivodeship was assessed based on the asbestos waste accumulation indicators between 2019 and 2023. The highest total neutralised asbestos in any county over the five years was 9,813 Mg, and the highest average indicators per capita (14.919 Mg·1,000 people −1 ) and population density (14.188 Mg·people −1 km 2 ) were observed in Limanowa, which has an area of less than 1,000 km 2 . The significant increase in the mass of neutralised asbestos by 0.732 Mg was accompanied by an increase in the area of the county by 1 km 2 . In contrast, an increase of 1,000 inhabitants contributed to an increase in the mass of neutralised asbestos by 5.44 Mg year −1 . Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm the presence of carcinogenic asbestos-chrysotile in roofing materials, with noticeable plasticisation of fibres exceeding 100 µm in length and variable chemical composition exceeding 40% SiO 2 . The novelty of this work lies in its integration of a method for assessing asbestos accumulation, linking quantitative and qualitative indicators with morphological analysis in the context of minimising the potential impact of asbestos fibres on human health and the environment; as such, it extends beyond Małopolska Voivodeship. The demonstrated problem arises from asbestos exposure in Małopolska, which may be significant for other regions of Poland as well as for other countries. Considering the growing trend of asbestos removal and the dominance of corrugated asbestos sheets used for construction, it is advisable to use a highly efficient, safe, smart and environmentally friendly technology such as stabilisation and solidification for the neutralisation of hazardous waste.