The hidden environmental pollution near the cement plant in Turňa nad Bodvou

Imagine living near a factory and discovering that toxic chemicals could be drifting into your backyard. That’s exactly what’s happening in Turňa nad Bodvou, where a nearby cement plant has come under fire for polluting the local environment. New research by OZ Green Element in cooperation with Friends of the Earth – SPZ, carried out by ToxicoWatch and Zero Waste Europe, suggests that dangerous substances may be harming both people’s health and the surrounding ecosystems.

Between 2023 and 2024, experts took samples of mosses, pine needles, hen’s eggs, and sheep’s wool in Turňa nad Bodvou. Their goal? To find out if there were any toxic chemicals in the area. The results were concerning. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Dioxins (highly toxic byproducts of burning waste)
• PCBs (banned industrial chemicals still lingering in the environment)
• PAHs (pollutants released when organic materials like coal or oil are burned)
• Forever chemicals (PFAS) (chemicals used in many consumer products that never break down)

These substances don’t simply disappear over time. Instead, they build up in the environment, work their way through the food chain, and end up in the human body. Exposure has been linked to health issues such as cancer, immune system problems, and neurological damage.

One of the biggest issues at the cement plant is the type of fuel it burns. It has permission to almost double the amount of “solid alternative fuels”—a fancy term for waste like plastics, rubber, textiles, paper, and tyres. When these materials are incinerated, they can release toxic compounds, including the dioxins mentioned above. Plastics, for example, are known to produce high levels of harmful chemicals when burned.

Right now, the plant only measures some of these pollutants—and not very often. Dioxins are checked just twice a year under stable conditions. This means any pollution spikes during start-ups, shutdowns, or equipment malfunctions could slip through the cracks. The new study found toxic chemical levels were much higher close to the plant than farther away, pointing to the facility’s operations as the likely culprit.

For people living in Turňa nad Bodvou, the danger goes beyond air quality. Toxic substances can end up in locally grown foods—like vegetables and eggs—posing serious health risks over the long term. The issue gets worse when residents burn waste materials at home, releasing even more pollution into the air.

Monika Medovičová, waste expert at Friends of the Earth – SPZ, highlights the urgency of the situation:

“Communities near industrial sites deserve clean air and a safe environment. The current monitoring system fails to capture the real impact of pollution spikes, leaving people exposed to harmful chemicals. Authorities must take immediate steps to ensure that emissions are measured continuously and that industrial facilities are held accountable for their environmental footprint.”

The pollution near the cement plant in Turňa nad Bodvou is more than an industrial byproduct—it’s a growing public health concern. Taking action now can protect residents from potentially serious health problems down the line. 

As such, Friends of the Earth – SPZ is pushing for more comprehensive monitoring to check for toxic emissions all the time, not just a couple of times per year. They also want to help people understand which pollutants are released and how to reduce exposure. And finally, together we’re calling for stricter rules to make sure industry follows tougher standards to protect both health and the environment.

To learn more, read the full research reports: “The True Toxic Toll – Slovakia Biomonitoring Research 2023” and “The True Toxic Toll – 2nd Biomonitoring Report in Turňa nad Bodvou, Slovakia.” You can also find more information at Stop Spalovniam and Zero Waste Europe.

Remember, it’s everyone’s right to breathe clean air and enjoy a safe environment. Especially in their own neighborhood.