Idyllic Croatian beach plagued by toxic secrets

Vranjic, a picturesque fishing village near Split, Croatia, hides a dark secret. Its most beloved bathing spot, Kosica Beach, has been contaminated with toxic waste for many years. Despite this alarming issue, the beach remains a popular destination, and there are no warnings to alert visitors.

The source of the asbestos contamination is the nearby Salonit factory, which, during its years of operation, discharged asbestos directly into the sea.

Although the factory site has been renovated, Kosica Beach is still awaiting cleanup. Activists from the group "A Place That Wants to Live" suggest that the city of Solin, encompassing Vranjic, is delaying action. They believe officials are "waiting for funding from the European Union".

Currently available information labels the beach as "unsafe for health," yet it remains open to the public. Tourists, including families with young children, unknowingly face health risks by swimming there.

"The situation is tragic. The Solin authorities promote this asbestos-contaminated site as a city beach," stated Marijana Grubičová, an activist. "Children here innocently play in shallow waters and sand, sometimes disturbing the asbestos-laden mud," she added, highlighting her fruitless attempts to convince officials to install warning signs, secure the area, and initiate cleanup efforts.

Despite the clear danger, the beach lacks fences and warning signs. - We suggested isolating the contaminated zone but were told it was unnecessary since the sea water's quality is deemed satisfactory," the activist recounted. "We were informed the beach would only be fenced for revitalization works," she added ruefully.

Asbestos, a highly toxic and carcinogenic material, poses grave health risks. When inhaled, its microfibres can infiltrate the lungs, leading to tissue inflammation and scarring. This can significantly reduce lung capacity, hinder oxygen exchange, and cause chronic bronchitis, among other severe health issues.