News Archive

On May 12, 2026, the Australian authorities issued a recall for Scented Fun Sand – blue, green, red & yellow – which had been sold by the Reject Shop: “The play sand may cause a risk to health, as traces of anthophyllite asbestos and tremolite asbestos have been detected in some samples after laboratory testing.” The toxic sand products had been available nationwide between January 13, 2025 and May 7, 2026 and were made in China. See (Product recall): Scented Fun Sand – blue, green, red & yellow.

Asbestos Trade Data

May 22, 2026

Recent asbestos trade data uploaded to the website of the United States Geological Service (USGS) recorded that global asbestos production for 2024 and 2025 was respectively 949,000 and 960,000 tonnes (t) “a decrease of nearly 55% from approximately 2 million tonnes in 2000.” The new data also showed an apparent “collapse” in Russian asbestos production. The output for 2024 and 2025 was 306,900t and 310,000t respectively. Considering that total annual Russian asbestos production for the five years preceding 2024 averaged ~715,000t, the discrepancies were noteworthy. See: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Asbestos.

New Cost-Benefit Analysis

May 22, 2026

At the end of last month (April, 2026), an independent economic impact assessment on a total asbestos ban in Cambodia was launched at a high-profile event in Phnom Penh. The report, which was funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and conducted by Alluvium Pty Ltd., included input from key Cambodian ministries. The findings were categorical: “The economic assessment of a proposed ban on asbestos-containing materials and raw asbestos fibres was found to be economically viable, with the health benefits from avoided disease far outweighing the cost of implementation and transition by a ratio of 4:1, even under conservative assumptions.” See: Study: Cambodia’s Asbestos Ban Would Yield $4 in Health Benefits for Every $1 Spent.

Asbestos Roofing: Update

May 22, 2026

Data on the findings of the 2024 housing census in Moldova, which were published on May 9, 2026 by the National Bureau of Statistics, were disturbing: though asbestos was banned in Moldova in late 2024, 80% of residential buildings are roofed with asbestos-containing materials. The affected buildings were mostly private homes in rural areas. Twenty-eight percent of relatively new structures also had asbestos roofing. Despite national asbestos prohibitions, homeowners with asbestos roofing are not obliged to remove it. See: Experts sound the alarm: In Moldova, 81% of housing was built before 1991.

Epidemiological Revelations

May 22, 2026

A new paper in The Lancet which analyzed age-standardised mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to asbestos exposures stratified by sex and region for the year 2023 found regional disparities as well as incongruencies between male and female data. Whilst rates were decreasing in North America, there were rising rates of lung cancer and mesothelioma amongst women in tropical and southern Latin America, especially in Brazil and Argentina. The coauthors suggested that: “these disparities likely reflect differences in environmental and industrial regulatory practices, as well as gendered occupational exposure patterns.” See: Burden of cancer attributable to occupational asbestos exposure in the Americas, 1990–2023: an analysis using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.

Revised Guidelines for Asbestos Testing

May 22, 2026

A document setting out the UK Government’s current position on “the most appropriate testing methodologies for detecting asbestos in consumer products containing sand such as toys, hobby and decorative products” was updated on May 6, 2026. The technical advisory note for businesses and industry issued by the Office for Product Standards and Safety (OPSS) recommended the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy or Transmission Electron Microscopy “because they can more reliably identify low asbestos concentrations, below 0.1%, and fine or thin asbestos fibres likely to be present in contaminated products.” See (Updated Guidance): Testing for asbestos in sand.

Victim’s Posthumous Victory

May 20, 2026

A court in Sardinia ordered Italy’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) to pay €200,000 (US$232,400) plus lifetime pensions to the family of a Naval mechanic who died at age 69 from lung adenocarcinoma. The deceased had worked for 20 years on asbestos-contaminated pipes and in engine rooms and environments on board military vessels. The MoD was also ordered to include the victim’s name on a roll call of honor of service personnel who were victims of duty. See: La Maddalena, died of cancer caused by asbestos on ships: huge compensation from the Ministry.

Doorstop Recalls!

May 20, 2026

On May 7, 2026, the UK’s Office of Product Standards and Safety (OPSS) issued a nationwide recall for 35 novelty doorstops sold by the of Dunelms chain. According to the OPSS notice: “The products present a risk to health as the sand inside the doorstops may be contaminated with a quantity of asbestos.” The doorstops, which were made in China, had been sold in the UK between January 2019 and February 2026. See: Product Recall: Dunelm Novelty Doorstops (2603-0019).

Olin Policy Reversal

May 20, 2026

Earlier this month it was announced that the Olin Corporation, one of the few American companies still using asbestos in diaphragms for the production of chlorine, had withdrawn support for an industry lawsuit – backed by the American Chemistry Council and other chemical trade organizations – designed to postpone federal action on the implementation of a comprehensive US asbestos ban. Olin’s notice to the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit didn’t explain the reasons for the corporate U-turn. See: Olin Drops Lawsuit Opposing EPA’s Chrysotile Asbestos Rule (1).

Legacy Asbestos Hazard

May 20, 2026

Asbestos contamination in abandoned US army bases which were established on the Turks and Caicos Islands – a British Overseas Territory – remain a potent health hazard to local people. According to comments made in February 2026 by Premier Washington Misick he had: “written to the UK saying that to a large extent it is part of its responsibility to ensure the safe removal of the asbestos from those sites. That includes if they need to engage with the United States, because when the exit agreement was structured that should have been a part of it.” The Premier expressed his disappointment at the lack of constructive engagement by the British Foreign Secretary. See: UK faces renewed calls to help with South Base asbestos removal.

Asbestos Pass-the-Parcel

May 20, 2026

Residents of asbestos-contaminated homes in Merafong, North West Province and Kaalfontein, Gauteng Province remain in limbo as local, provincial and federal authorities in South Africa argue about the responsibility for removing banned asbestos roofing on government-subsidized homes. Municipal officials alleged it was the duty of the Province to address these issues whilst they blamed the national government. According to a spokesperson for a civil society group campaigning on this issue: “These people are aware of the danger associated with asbestos, but there is nothing they can do because most of them are poor and unemployed.” See: Gauteng RDP homes still have dangerous asbestos roofs after 30 years.

Asbestos Scandal: Update

May 20, 2026

Public concerns continue to grow over more discoveries of asbestos-contaminated imports from Austrian quarries. The latest area where the toxic material was identified was Zalaegerszeg, a city in western Hungary. According to its Mayor Zoltán Balaicz the contaminated crushed stone was used in building and renewing roads and parking areas in several parts of the city. Once an accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of asbestos in a gravel-covered parking area at the corner of Mártírok Road and Kisfaludy Street, the lot was closed. Investigations continue regarding the use of the contaminated material on private driveways, courtyards and paved residential surfaces. See: Dangerous asbestos-contaminated stone found in another Hungarian city.

Toxic Toys!

May 18, 2026

The piece by Dr. Roberto Gindro cited below detailed the ongoing global asbestos crisis caused by the sale of asbestos-contaminated children’s toys. The author recapped international developments and provided a balanced appraisal of the public hazard posed by the contamination. He concluded that “the most prudent choice is not to eliminate all sensory games, but to buy traceable products, check official recalls, avoid items of uncertain origin and follow the instructions of the authorities.” See: Sabbia cinetica e amianto: i rischi reali e come garantire la sicurezza dei giocattoli [Kinetic sand and asbestos: the real risks and how to ensure the safety of toys].

Asbestos Mining Legacy

May 18, 2026

The May 5, 2026 newspaper article referenced below detailed findings in a research paper published on March 25, 2026 in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine: An Evaluation of Mortality Rates and Their Determinants in a Cohort of Former Asbestos Miners in South Africa. The analysis of data from 11,000 South African ex-miners showed that “overall mortality of this group was 4% higher than in the general population – and that women who had worked in asbestos mining had a 17% higher risk of dying than expected.” See: Higher than expected death rate for women in asbestos mining.

Another Sand Recall

May 18, 2026

On May 4, 2026, the European Union’s consumer watchdog agency issued a recall for Blue Decorative Sand Granules made in China stating that: “The product contains asbestos fibres (measured value: 0.33% by weight). Asbestos could cause cancer.” From the EU Alert it seemed that the product had exclusively been sold online. It was initially recalled by the Dutch authorities. See: Alert number: SR/01352/26 - Decorative granules. Brand Name Dekogranulat.

Online Asbestos Resource

May 18, 2026

Italy’s National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) in collaboration with the National Asbestos Help Desk uploaded a new asbestos risk assessment resource on International Workers’ Memorial Day (April 28) (see: Gestione del rischio amianto negli edifici: ruoli e indicazioni operative [Asbestos Risk Management in Buildings: Roles and Operational Guidelines]). The monograph, which is only available electronically, features up-to-date technical and scientific information to support duty holders tasked with managing the asbestos risk in the built environment. See: Online il nuovo volume sulla gestione del rischio amianto negli edifice [The new volume on asbestos risk management in buildings is now online].

Chrysotile Role in Tumour Causation

May 18, 2026

The May 1, 2026 article from the Annals of Work Exposures and Health cited below confirmed the role of chrysotile (white) asbestos exposure in the causation of mesothelioma and lung adenocarcinoma among patients in Scotland. The eight coauthors of the paper, who were based in Glasgow and Edinburgh, concluded “that the contribution of asbestos to Lung Cancer in Scotland may be greatly underestimated.” See: Chrysotile asbestos accelerates tumour development in mouse models of mesothelioma and lung cancer. (The full article is behind a pay wall.)

Asbestos Stalemate in Parliament

May 18, 2026

Calls by British MPs for a national, digital record of the presence of asbestos throughout the nation’s schools – an asbestos register – were rejected by Government Ministers last month on the grounds that “it was not guaranteed to make a difference.” In February, MPs had warned of the “material risk” of remediation work of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in schools causing structural damage and liberating asbestos contained within contaminated products incorporated within the built environment. See: Calls to launch national register of asbestos in schools rejected.

Asbestos Anomaly?

May 15, 2026

The April 20th informative article cited below detailed the growing global scandal over discoveries of asbestos fibers in children’s toys in 12+ countries and asked why the alarm had yet to be sounded in the US. When a spokesperson at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was asked about the discrepancy, he replied that the CPSC was “monitoring the issue, and that it will take action if needed.” No asbestos recalls of children’s toys have been reported in the US in 2025-26. Consumer rights’ campaigners and asbestos victims’ activists are urging regulators to take action in order to prevent toxic exposures. See: Asbestos in Children's Play Sand Triggers Recalls in at Least a Dozen Countries.

More Asbestos Recalls!

May 15, 2026

On May 1, 2026, the UK’s Office of Product Safety Standards announced two more product recalls. Both of the recalled items came from China; the same warning was given in both cases: “Hazard: The product presents a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.” One of the items recalled that day was Craft Time Sand Art Bracelets, sold by Home Bargains, and the other one was Stretchy Gorilla Toys, sold by Home.

Another Toy Recall

May 15, 2026

On May 3, 2026, the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) of Oman issued a nationwide alert over asbestos contamination found in Addo Creative Candles – Edition Four (model number B-19180-318). The toxic product was manufactured in China. According to the results of tests conducted by the authorities, the “possible presence of trace amounts of asbestos” were identified. In April the CPA also warned consumers about asbestos in certain children’s toys and reassured consumers that local markets and e-commerce platforms would continue to be monitored “to ensure that traded products comply with the approved requirements and standards.” See: Addo brand’s candle toys recalled over asbestos: CPA.

Sand Activity Toy Recalled!

May 15, 2026

On May 1, 2026, another contaminated sand activity toy was recalled in France. The toxic item, which was recalled from end-users by retailer Meiest, was labelled “Meiest 7 Pack of colorful magic sand sand activity toy.” The reason given for the withdrawal of the toy was: “The product contains asbestos fibers. Asbestos can cause cancer.” Other magic sand and activity sand Meiest products had been recalled previously. See: Rappel Conso: MEIEST rappelle MEIEST 7 Pack de sable magique coloré Jouet d'activité de sable [Consumer Recall: MEIEST recalls MEIEST 7 Pack of colorful magic sand sand activity toy].

Chungnam Province Health Survey

May 15, 2026

On May 3-22, 2026, the Asbestos Environmental Health Center of Cheonan Hospital will conduct health impact assessments of people from the Gwangcheon-eup area of Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do which was formerly home to Asia's largest asbestos mine. During that time staff will conduct interviews and carry out a series of medical tests involving 350 residents from 12 villages including: Yongyeong-ri, Daepyeong-ri, Naejuk-ri, Gaja-ri, Byeokgye-ri, Damsan-ri, Ongam-ri, Maehyeon-ri, Wilim-ri, Shinjin-ri, Soam-ri, and Gwangcheon-ri. See: 석면 관련 질병 예방·치료, 순천향대 천안병원이 간다 [Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital Continues to Prevent and Treat Asbestos-Related Diseases].

Tighter Workplace Asbestos Restrictions

May 15, 2026

On April 30, 2026, the Croatian Parliament approved measures to implement EU Directive 2023/2668 which will increase workplace asbestos protections. According to the news report cited below: “The most notable change is a sharp reduction in the permissible asbestos exposure limit. The threshold has been lowered tenfold, from 0.1 to 0.01 fibres per cubic centimetre of air.” The deadline for achieving this reduction is December 20, 2029. Data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health reported that between 2009 and 2025 1,830 asbestos-related cases due to occupational exposure were recognized in Croatia. See: Croatia introduces stricter asbestos rules to strengthen worker protection.

Toxic Talc on Trial

May 13, 2026

Proceedings began in the High Court in London on April 29, 2026 in a case brought on behalf of 7,111 claimants against the US pharmaceutical giant: Johnson & Johnson (J&J). The plaintiffs allege that their use of J&J’s asbestos-contaminated talc-based baby powder caused them to contract ovarian cancer or mesothelioma, the signature cancer related to asbestos exposure. According to media reports, this case is “set to become the largest product liability case in UK history.” Tens of thousands of similar cases which were lodged in US courts were frozen as a result of corporate schemes including various attempts to declare bankruptcy. See: Claimants in Johnson & Johnson talcum powder case rise to 7,000.