The air in Kraków is one of the most polluted in Europe. Polish standards for notification and alert levels for PM10 particulate matterare one of the the highest in Europe and exceed the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for safe daily concentrations by several times. The article presents the results of airborne dust measurements in three districts of Kraków. The study hasshown that the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter exceeded the annual average permissible levels. Empirical measurements of PM2.5 show significantly higher air pollution values than the data notified by stationary monitoring stations installed intwo locations. The high value of Pearson linear correlation coefficient confirms that weather conditions have a significant impact on airquality in Kraków. Wind speed in the autumn and winter seasons has by far the greatest influence on air quality in al. Krasińskiego,in the Ruczaj and Kurdwanów districts. A strong negative correlation was displayed. Manual measurements should be used to verifydata obtained from air monitoring stations. It is to be expected that, in Kraków, air purity will improve due to the implementation ofan anti-smog resolution and subsidies for the replacement of obsolete heating systems with more environmentally friendly solutions.

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Abstract. The paper presents the characteristics of asbestos as a mineral. Asbestos is a trade name for six serpentine fibrous minerals and amphiboles. The processes of removing asbestos-containing products, which poses a high risk of emission of asbestos fibers harmful to human health, is described. First, make an inventory of asbestos-containing waste to determine the sequence of actions. Products can be qualified for immediate disposal or for temporary preservation, as required by law. When removing asbestos-containing products, the contractor should set up warning boards, fence the area, and take technical measures to eliminate the emission of asbestos fibers. Asbestos-containing products must be moistened with water before being removed. Trained employees should be equipped with personal protective equipment as well as working clothes and footwear. Asbestos-containing waste should be taken to a hazardous waste landfill or an inert or other than inert waste landfill, and placed in areas specially adapted for this purpose. Precautions during inventory and liquidation of asbestos-containing waste are specified. An innovative technology for asbestos neutralization MTT (Microwave Thermal Treatment) is characterized. The impact of asbestos products on health is discussed. The most dangerous cases of diseases are asbestosis, pleural and pericardial diseases, as well as lung cancer and mesothelioma. The need for research on the concentration of respirable asbestos fibers in the atmospheric air is emphasized.

Abstract. The paper presents the characteristics of respirable fibers. Respirable fibers are defined as fibers less than 3 μm in diameter, more than 5 μm in length, and a length to thickness ratio of the fiber greater than 3:1. Such dimensions of the fibers allow them to hang in the air and have the ability to travel long distances. Examples of respirable fibers are residues of asbestos products or artificial mineral fibers. The respirable size of the fibers is considered to be a physical carcinogen. The cause of diseases is long-term effects on the respiratory system. Asbestos is assigned a first hazard category. Its permissible concentration limit in the preparation is 0.1% by mass. Exceeding this value requires including this dangerous substance in the classification of any mixture. The need for research on the concentration of respirable asbestos fibers in the atmospheric air is emphasized.

An indispensable element of the social and economic programme aimed at realising the new environmentally friendly era is environmental education. The leading principle of the National Environmental Policy is the principle of sustainable development, implemented through effective educational, informational and promotional activities. They consist in changing the environmental awareness of the society and in shaping proper human attitudes towards nature. The idea of sustainable development is understood as socio-economic development that takes into account the rights of nature and a dignified life for future generations. The functioning of this global concept is based on reconciling environmental, economic and social rationales. As a global trend, it ensures peace and a decent standard of living for all countries of the world. Education emphasises the need to respect human dignity, to respect diversity, to protect the environment and the resources of our planet.