The Swedish Chemicals Agency will review reports that asbestos is present in wind turbines erected in Sweden. This was stated by the authority to Affärsvärlden.

The issue concerns turbines from the manufacturer Nordex. Brake pads installed in certain turbines contain the hazardous chemical, despite the fact that its use in new buildings and products has been banned in Sweden since 1982.

The Tomasliden wind farm in Västerbotten is among those with turbines that contain asbestos. The park is owned by the German company WPD, which claims that air levels are below the current threshold limit.

However, the threshold limit only applies to workplace air, and to asbestos from products and buildings built before 1982. For new products, there is instead a zero tolerance policy.

“This means that asbestos must not be present at all if it has been intentionally added to goods,” says inspector Frida Ramström at the Swedish Chemicals Agency to Affärsvärlden.

An inspection case will now be initiated regarding the affected wind turbines. This may lead to a criminal investigation and prosecution.

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