Asbestos in gravel

Cancer risk: four quarries closed

Samples from several quarries showed asbestos contamination.(Bild: Christian Schulter)

Terrible suspicions in central and southern Burgenland: in several quarries, asbestos-contaminated material is said to have been mined and sold as gravel for road grit, paths, or cemeteries. Asbestos is highly carcinogenic, and the authorities have identified an "imminent danger."

Rumors have been circulating for some time, according to whispered reports in one of the affected communities. The dust spread by the wind from the quarry is said to have been responsible for illnesses. There is also talk of cancer, which is said to be a consequence of the mining. Until now, these were all just rumors and gossip. There was no evidence. But now it appears that there may indeed be some truth to the suspicions.

Authorities stop mining
A total of four quarries, one in the district of Oberpullendorf and three in the district of Oberwart, have been closed by the authorities with immediate effect. The respective district authorities have ordered the immediate cessation of all extraction, mining, and processing operations by means of a mandate decision. The reason: together with other rock, naturally occurring asbestos is said to have been mined here and the material subsequently distributed.

Samples from several quarries showed asbestos contamination.(Bild: Christian Schulter)

Carcinogenic and banned
Asbestos is known to be highly carcinogenic. Even low levels of exposure can cause illness. It was classified as a carcinogen as early as the 1970s and has been banned since the 1990s. Inhaling asbestos fibers, which can be produced during the extraction or grinding of the material, is particularly harmful to health.

For this reason, the renovation of contaminated buildings, for example, is carried out under protective measures and is correspondingly expensive. Fibers that are respirable, with a length of more than five micrometers and a width of less than three micrometers, are particularly hazardous to health. In bound and solid form, however, asbestos is considered harmless.

A total of four quarries are affected by the closures.(Bild: Christian Schulter)

All samples positive
The state has confirmed the official closure of the four quarries: "This measure was based on official inspections in accordance with Section 175 of the Mineral Raw Materials Act. As a result, material and soil samples were taken in November 2025 and examined by a specialist laboratory. Asbestos was detected in all of the samples examined." Based on the available test results, a risk to human health – especially that of employees and customers – cannot be ruled out, according to the statement.

Closures due to "imminent danger"
"In the present case, immediate action by the competent authorities was necessary while proceedings were still ongoing, and there was no alternative to the urgent measures ordered without delay due to imminent danger. Against this background, the underlying administrative proceedings are continuing." The affected quarries in Pilgersdorf, Glashütten near Schlaining, Bernstein, and Badersdorf are now obliged to inform their customers accordingly. "The quarries will remain closed until the authorities have determined that the existing danger has been completely eliminated," according to the state.

Used as road grit?
It is not clear exactly what the mined – and possibly contaminated – material was used for and to whom it was sold. However, at least some of it is likely to have been processed into road grit. Among others, the surrounding communities are said to have been buyers. But there is also talk of gravel for paths, driveways, gardens, and cemeteries. It can be assumed that it has been used for years.

Alarm bells ringing in affected communities
Now alarm bells are ringing in many places. Other companies may also be affected. According to reports, around 500 jobs depend on the quarries. Meanwhile, many in the affected communities are wondering whether they have come into contact with potentially contaminated material in the past and what the effects of this might be. This is because the consequences usually only become apparent years later – and by then it is probably very difficult to prove the cause.