News Archive

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.

More Asbestos Recalls!

May 13, 2026

On April 28, 2026, the EU’s rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products (Safety Gate) issued Alert number: SR/01297/26 for MEIEST Sand activity toy, a product mostly sold on Amazon. The Chinese-made toy “contains asbestos fibres”. Two days later, EU notification SR/01319/26 recalled Sand tub, Yellow – “The product contains asbestos fibres” – and notification SR/01318/26 recalled Glow sand art – “The play sand contains asbestos fibres.” Both of the products were made in and exported from China and had originally been recalled in The Netherlands. See: Alert number: SR/01319/26. Sand tub and Alert number: SR/01318/26. Glow sand art.

Never Forgotten!

May 13, 2026

Civil society groups united in their determination to remember Italy’s tragic asbestos legacy supported a series of high-profile public events on April 29 to remember those lost to asbestos-related diseases. A thousand local high school students played a prominent role in the project called “The faces of asbestos” by mounting a march through the town of Casale Monferrato, the epicenter of the national asbestos epidemic. The Association of Families and Victims of Asbestos of Casale Monferrato (AFeVA) and partnering groups remain as committed as ever to the goals of remembrance, research and rehabilitation. See: “I volti dell’amianto”, con gli alunni e studenti delle scuole Casale Monferrato [“The faces of asbestos,” with the pupils and students of Casale Monferrato schools].

Asbestos Sales: Parents Take Action

May 13, 2026

The 22-page must read complaint cited below was written by David Dingwall and Elle Chrisp, both of whom were affected by the ongoing scandal in New Zealand regarding the sale of asbestos-contaminated sand and playsets. It is a detailed and well-referenced exposition of the events which took place and the actions or lack of actions of the stakeholders involved, including: the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), WorkSafe New Zealand, the Commerce Commission, the Ministry of Education and Kmart, a well-known discount department store chain in New Zealand. See: “LOW PRICES FOR LIFE” …NO REGARD FOR YOURS How a retail giant supplied friable asbestos to Kiwi kids… and is getting away with it.

Government Consultations Open

May 13, 2026

Two government consultations were launched on March 31, 2026 by the Office of Product Safety Standards of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade; the deadline for submissions was June 23, 2026. Replies from stakeholders regarding how the current product safety framework could be updated to better address developments and trends were encouraged. The second subject under investigation related to the changes needed to improve and expedite the enforcement of product safety regulations. See: Product regulation: the UK’s new product safety framework and Product regulation: market surveillance and enforcement framework.

Regional Asbestos Hotspots

May 13, 2026

New data from the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the northeast of the country, highlighted the price paid by inhabitants for the area’s deadly asbestos legacy. According to the National Mesothelioma Registry between 1995 and 2025, 1,574 cases of pleural mesothelioma and 128 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma were recorded in the region. The majority of those affected were men (85%). The worst affected provinces in Friuli Venezia Giulia were Trieste and Gorizia, both of which were home to many people who had worked in the shipyards. See: L'ombra lunga dell'amianto [The long shadow of asbestos].

Legal Action over Asbestos Sales

May 11, 2026

Christchurch parents Elle Chrisp and David Dingwall are taking retailer Kmart to New Zealand’s Disputes Tribunal to reclaim costs incurred in dealing with the aftermath of their purchases of asbestos-contaminated children’s products. The sums involved are considerable, as the asbestos decontamination work on their homes ran into “tens of thousands” of dollars. They also submitted complaints to the regulators – the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Worksafe, Customs and the Commerce Commission. See: Parents take Kmart to Disputes Tribunal over play sand containing asbestos.

Toxic Toys: Update

May 11, 2026

Three months after an article in The Guardian newspaper set off a tidal wave of media coverage of an unfolding national asbestos scandal, another article was published by the same journalist. From the April 27th report by Anna Tims, it seems that the UK Government’s policy on the sale of asbestos-contaminated children’s products had undergone a remarkable shift from complacency to anger, with Kate Dearden, the minister for product safety, saying: “It is staggering toys are being sold with asbestos. We’re taking action with new measures to strengthen consumer protection and clamp down on irresponsible sellers... any products which test positive for asbestos are removed from sale and recalled.” See: Dozens of toys recalled in the UK after asbestos found in play sand.

Asbestos Prosecution

May 11, 2026

Work at a building in Badhoevedorp, a town in the Western Netherlands, was stopped at the end of March, 2026 by the Dutch Labour Inspectorate as a result of complaints about working conditions and a report by the FNV – the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation. Inspectors found that asbestos had been illegally removed and that workers had not been provided with protective clothing or respiratory protection equipment. As the dutyholder, the owner of the building was responsible for ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations. The owner was named as the offending party in the case and a penalty report is expected. See: Illegale asbestsanering in Badhoevedorp [Illegal asbestos removal in Badhoevedorp].

Scotland’s Asbestos Tragedy

May 11, 2026

Amongst the 500+ names on the Asbestos Memorial Wall in Clydebank, Scotland is that of Christine Jardine’s Mother: Agnes (Nessie). In a recent commentary in The Scotsman newspaper Jardine, the MP for Edinburgh West, cited official data about the UK’s asbestos death toll and remembered going to the victims’ support group, Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA), with her Mum, who had been exposed to asbestos during her time working in the office of John Brown shipyard. “As we walked in (to CAA), she was greeted by the man who had been the yard’s shop steward. They had shared their working lives and now the condition which would take their lives.” See: Why Clydebank has one of the world’s worst records for asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Prosecution in Oregon

May 11, 2026

A fine of $22,460 for asbestos infringements by the U.S. Postal Service at its Kenton Station facility in Portland, Oregon was upheld on March 16, 2026 and made public on April 20. The prosecution was brought by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for four violations related to asbestos training, housekeeping and hazard communication requirements at the facility. A sample of material taken near the women’s restroom contained 13% chrysotile (white) asbestos. See: Postal service loses OSHA appeal over asbestos hazards at Oregon facility.

Asbestos Data: Update

May 11, 2026

According to new data provided to mark International Workers Memorial Day, there are 10,000 new cases of asbestos-related disease diagnosed in Italy every year and 7,000 deaths. Despite a national asbestos ban which was implemented in 1992, asbestos-containing material remains prevalent in both the built and natural environment. Regional asbestos hotspots are Lombardy (2.000 deaths/year). Piedmont (~1,000), Emilia-Romagna (~650), Liguria (600+) and Lazio (~500). See: L’amianto miete ancora 7000 vittime ogni anno, emergenza senza fine in Italia: queste sono le Regioni più esposte alla fibra killer [Asbestos still claims 7,000 victims each year, a never-ending emergency in Italy: these are the regions most exposed to the killer fiber].

Environmental Contamination

May 6, 2026

According to a survey by Greenpeace Austria, remediation work was carried out at almost all the sites previously identified as being contaminated with asbestos in Lower Austria (northeastern Austria), but hardly any work had been undertaken at toxic sites in Burgenland and Styria, in southeastern Austria. Greenpeace is calling on the state governments of Burgenland and Styria to introduce phased asbestos eradication programs prioritizing work at especially sensitive locations. See: Greenpeace überprüft Asbest-Fundorte: Niederösterreich handelt, Burgenland und Steiermark nicht [Greenpeace checks asbestos sites: Lower Austria takes action, Burgenland and Styria do not].