Workers have been continuously exposed to carcinogens at the plant of the Korean SungEel company. The town is trying to block the renewal of the factory's permit in court.

For nearly two years, 1,700 tonnes of hazardous battery waste, stinking of solvents, were stored in unprotected warehouses on the site of the former Abasár barracks, while the authorities issued unsuccessful notices to remove the waste.

A previous massive fine failed to deter to remove toxic waste stored near leisure facilities.