The Association of Rural Municipalities of Poland has urged the government to boost funding for asbestos removal and to enable the replacement of roofs covered with this harmful material as part of the "Clean Air" program. The Ministry of Development and Technology has responded by indicating that a bill introducing significant changes is under preparation. Without these changes, effective asbestos removal is unlikely to happen.

The Association emphasized that the current funding for the removal of asbestos, which amounts to 266 million PLN, has only allowed for the removal of 515,000 tons of asbestos waste. Lawyers estimate that Poland has approximately 7 million tons of asbestos still present, indicating that the current funding is vastly inadequate. Given the current level of financial allocation, it's anticipated that the asbestos removal process could take from 100 to 140 years, underscoring the urgent need for new policies and funding.

The ongoing discussions between the government and local authorities highlight the challenges faced in addressing environmental health risks associated with asbestos. The introduction of a new legal framework could provide a pathway for quicker and more effective management of asbestos waste, as the health implications of continued exposure to asbestos remain a pressing concern for Polish communities. Overall, the government's response to these appeals could significantly impact public health and safety in the long term.