Styria urges municipalities to use asbestos-free winter grit

The State of Styria is advising municipalities to use certified asbestos-free grit during the coming winter, ORF reports. Certain types of stone and gravel can naturally contain asbestos fibres, while no general legal ban on such materials is in place.

In a letter to municipalities, Environment Councillor Hannes Amesbauer of the FPÖ recommended using certified asbestos-free material to avoid possible exposure through the air.

The guidance advises municipalities to use only certified asbestos-free chippings for winter road maintenance and discourages the purchase of uncertified material. The aim is to minimise any potential air pollution, Amesbauer said.

Municipalities are responsible for selecting and purchasing winter road gritting materials. They decide whether to use salt, brine or chippings. The state’s letter is intended to provide guidance and encourage officials to choose tested materials in order to reduce possible health risks.