Cities Offer Subsidies for Asbestos Removal, but 'Clean Air' Program Won't Cover Roof Replacement

Local governments continue programs supporting the removal of hazardous asbestos from private properties, offering significant subsidies. In Poznań, this year's program edition has a 300 tys. zł — budget for asbestos removal, and residents can choose between full demolition and removal or just waste transport. Meanwhile, in Wrocław last year, 88.4 tons of this material were removed from 84 properties, which is more than double the amount from 2024. These numbers indicate the growing scale of actions and awareness of the threat among residents. Asbestos, due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties, was widely used in Polish construction from the 1950s to the 1990s. It is estimated that at its peak, about 100,000 tons of asbestos products were used annually in the country. A comprehensive ban on the trade and use of asbestos in Poland came into force in 1997, following the revelation of its carcinogenic properties and European Union directives. However, as revealed by the response from the Ministry of Climate and Environment to an appeal from local officials, there is a serious systemic gap. Funds from the nationwide subsidy program 'Clean Air' cannot be used to finance a new roof covering, which is necessary after removing the old, asbestos-containing one. The ministry identified this lack of support as one of the key barriers to the program's effective implementation. In practice, this means that a property owner who benefits from a municipal grant for asbestos disposal must cover the costs of a new roof from their own funds, which significantly limits incentives for comprehensive thermal modernization. Application periods in both cities are ongoing, and interest, according to local governments, remains high, confirming the urgent need to continue and develop such initiatives.