azbest

zagrożenie

badania ankietowe

gmina Szczucin

Problem of threats connected with asbestos assumes a great significance worldwide – Poland is not an exception. In the story of asbestos one cannot expect an effective ending. The aim of the study was to show threats associated with the harmful effect of asbestos, asbestos wastes economy, and neutralization, based on an example of a selected commune. The empirical part of the study covered observations, interviews, and a survey conducted among inhabitants of the Szczucin commune, in the Cracow Region, concerning the state of knowledge of health hazard caused by asbestos. The ‘Eternit’ Construction Material Factory was located in the area of the commune examined. The environmental pollution in the commune and the risk for health of its inhabitants were described. The research provided important information about knowledge in this area, awareness, beliefs, and emotions among the society. The article is enriched with photographs taken by the author. During 2000-2006, in Szczucin commune , so many deaths were noted, that it’s very hard to deny the opinion about the fatal impact of asbestos on human health; moreover, the effects of asbestos which had been produced there for years are still experienced today. The town and nearby villages occupy primary positions in the disgraceful statistics concerning mortality due to cancer, especially due to pleurisy. According to the opinion by researchers, the Szczucin commune is the area of an ecological disaster. There still remains the problem of environmental pollution connected with inadequate use of production wastes, and with their careless “wild” disposal. The functioning sources of emission of asbestos dust cause the exceeding of allowable standards. Medical assistance in the battle against asbestos is necessary, but at present the efforts should be focused on the elimination of the sources (road asphalting, concreting over backyards, etc.). Only then one can be sure that the next generations will not be in danger. Most of these works have been carried out, but there is still much to do. Therefore, it is necessary to improve social awareness in the area of safe disassembly and disposal of products containing asbestos.