News Archive

On June 29, 2026 the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission of Ireland recalled: Glitter and Glow Magical Sand Art Kit and Various Squishy Toys because of asbestos contamination.

According to the notification: “The products present a risk to health as the sand may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance across the EU because it poses a risk to health.”

Mesothelioma: Annual UK Data

Jul 6, 2026

Two days before Action Mesothelioma Day (July 3), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released new data on annual work-related fatalities including mesothelioma (see: Mesothelioma statistics for Great Britain, 2026). In 2024, there were 2,146 deaths from mesothelioma in Great Britain, 83% of which (1,771) were male and 17% female (375). According to the data: “Over 70% of annual deaths for both males and females now occur in those aged over 75 years. Annual deaths in this age group continue to increase while deaths below age 65 are decreasing.” See: HSE Press Release.

Flanders vs Eternit

Jul 6, 2026

Last week, the Flemish government announced that it had broken off negotiations with Eternit/Etex over plans for the former asbestos conglomerate to pay for the eradication of contamination caused by its operations. The Flanders Government will now restart proceedings against the former asbestos cement producer. The Government had reached a deal with Eternit in 2014 over asbestos cement waste in the gardens and driveways of residents in Kapelle op den Bos and surrounding municipalities, under which the company agreed to pay 4.8 million euros by 2030. According to former Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir, that sum was insufficient. See: Vlaanderen stopt onderhandelingen met Eternit en stapt opnieuw naar de rechter [Flanders stops negotiations with Eternit and goes to court again].

Asbestos Mining in Shaanxi

Jul 6, 2026

On June 29 2026, an article was uploaded which featured news about the Shaanxi South Asbestos Mine in Ningqiang County, Hanzhong; it is the only large-scale chrysotile asbestos mine in Shaanxi Province. It is one of China’s 8th largest asbestos production facilities. According to the text: “the mining conditions are excellent.” However, a picture illustrating the article of an unprotected miner in an incredibly dusty landscape suggested that this statement was not true. See: 汉中石棉矿全国八大核心基地之一?宁强独家产地成矿干货全揭秘 [Is Hanzhong one of the eight core bases of asbestos mining nationwide? Ningqiang's exclusive production area: the full secrets of mineral development].

Compensation in Catalonia

Jul 6, 2026

The article cited below detailed the legislation in Catalonia providing for the recognition of and compensation available for people suffering from asbestos-related diseases including: mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer and asbestosis. The bodies responsible for the certification process, the approval of benefits and the distribution of funds are the Department of Health, the Secretariat of Public Health and the National Social Security Institute. See: Salut tramita a Catalunya el certificat de patologies derivades de l'exposició a l'amiant [Health processes the certificate of pathologies derived from asbestos exposure in Catalonia].

Use of AI for Mesothelioma Research

Jul 6, 2026

Research, coordinated by the Netherlands Cancer Institute, by scientists in six countries, which was published in The Lancet on June 17, 2026, reported the results of work “to develop and validate artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted volumetric response criteria (ARTIMES) based on automated tumour segmentation and biologically derived thresholds.” Based on almost 11,000 scans of 2,080 patients from 14 cohorts, there was evidence showing that the use of the new AI technique was beneficial: “ARTIMES could potentially facilitate a more reliable response evaluation in pleural mesothelioma.” See: Development and validation of artificial intelligence-assisted volumetric response criteria in pleural mesothelioma (ARTIMES): a retrospective, multicohort, multicentre study.

Scottish Action on Asbestos

Jul 3, 2026

Draft legislation under consideration by the Scottish Government will set a three-year time limit for the resolution of personal injury claims by mesothelioma patients. This initiative is in response to calls from campaigners and recommendations from the Scottish Law Commission. According to Community care minister Alison Thewliss: “The current law on time limits can create real difficulties for people diagnosed with mesothelioma – potentially leaving them unable to seek a legal remedy through no fault of their own.” See: Scottish Government aims for clear time limits for asbestos patients.

New Legal Precedent in Tokyo

Jul 3, 2026

A settlement was reached at the Tokyo District Court on June 26, 2026 in a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of former construction workers injured by occupational asbestos exposures. Three former asbestos building products’ manufacturers apologized for injuries sustained by 12 claimants and agreed to pay ~189 million yen ($US 1.16m). According to the article cited below, this is the first class-action asbestos settlement by a first instance court for construction workers. See: 建設アスベスト訴訟、一審で初の集団和解「早期救済に一歩前進 [First-ever collective settlement reached in first-instance construction asbestos lawsuit: “A step forward towards early relief”].

Asbestos Legacy

Jul 3, 2026

The risk posed by the continuing use of asbestos-cement water tanks in Brazilian homes was analyzed in the commentary cited below. As the commercialization of asbestos was banned by the Supreme Court in 2017, the new use of asbestos is outlawed in Brazil. “Replacing an asbestos water tank,” wrote the author “is no longer just a matter of aesthetics or preventative maintenance. Today, it's a matter of complying with a consolidated national ban, protecting the health of those living in the house and those working on the construction.” See: Adeus, caixa d’água de amianto: a troca virou obrigação legal em todo o Brasil [Goodbye, asbestos water tanks: replacement has become a legal obligation throughout Brazil].

Asbestos Eradication Budget

Jul 3, 2026

Regional authorities in Tuscany allocated the sum of €1.5 million (US$1.7m) for grants earmarked to eradicate the asbestos hazard from public buildings in Florence and other municipalities in the Region. Subsidies of up to 100% – with a maximum of €300,000 per project – are available for asbestos removal work, transport of toxic building rubble and safe disposal of all materials containing asbestos as per provincial and national regulations. See: Dalla Regione 1,5 milioni di euro per eliminare l’amianto dagli edifici pubblici [1.5 million euros from the Region to eliminate asbestos from public buildings].

Asbestos Miners’ Mortality Incidence

Jul 3, 2026

A paper by four South African researchers based in Cape Town was uploaded last month to the American Journal of Industrial Medicine. Using a database from the Asbestos and Kgalagadi Relief Trusts, the scientists assessed all-cause mortality among this cohort of former asbestos miners. The excess all-cause mortality found was confined to female cohort members. Concluding the paper, the authors wrote: “These findings support risk stratification and targeted interventions, particularly early management of respiratory complications and smoking cessation, to reduce mortality.” See: An Evaluation of Mortality Rates and Their Determinants in a Cohort of Former Asbestos Miners in South Africa.

Managing a Public Health Crisis

Jul 3, 2026

An open letter by Greenpeace to Dr. Zsolt Hegedus – Hungary’s Minister of Health – and László Gajdos – the Minister for the Living Environment – regarding the management of asbestos contamination in Western Hungary was uploaded on June 3, 2026. The text highlighted the need for accurate and timely information and urged the authorities to consult with local governments and specialist organizations on the steps which would be taken to protect public health. See: A Greenpeace nyílt levele dr. Hegedus Zsoltnak és Gajdos Lászlónak a nyugat-magyarországi azbesztszennyezés kezelésével kapcsola [Greenpeace's open letter to Dr. Zsolt Hegedus and László Gajdos regarding the management of asbestos contamination in Western Hungary].

Asbestos Phase-Out

Jul 2, 2026

Last week, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) committed to “phasing out asbestos accommodation and offices at its camps and relocating personnel to safer facilities.” On June 23, BDF Commander General Mpho Mophuting told members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the BDF’s bases at Paje and Pandamatenga were contaminated with asbestos. It would take three years to dismantle and dispose of the toxic structures, he said. In the meantime, staff would be moved to temporary accommodation. See: Botswana: BDF to Phase Out Asbestos Camps.

More Asbestos Recalls!

Jul 2, 2026

There were EU recalls on June 23, 24 & 25 for asbestos-contaminated toys exported from China.

Alert number: SR/01892/26 – Kiddo world. Make your own Senzory Bin Construction Site. “The play sand contains asbestos fibres (measured value: 0.14% by weight).”

Alert number: SR/01814/26 – Figurines Stretch Monsters. “The sand inside contains asbestos.”

Alert number: SR/01852/26 – Funkee Monkee hairdo “The sand inside contains asbestos (measured value up to 2.05% by weight).”

Asbestos in Makeup

Jul 2, 2026

The insightful text referenced below reported disturbing findings from a new analysis of 8,810 talc-containing cosmetics. The items with the “highest potential risk for asbestos exposure” were powder products, especially eyeshadows and blushes in the following brands: Beauty Plus Global, Claire’s and Justice. Experts warned consumers to check product labels for the presence of talc as “talcum powder products in particular pose asbestos exposure risks... Liquid and cream products are less likely to make asbestos fibers airborne.” See: New study identifies the makeup brands with the highest potential asbestos risk.

Victim’s Victory!

Jul 2, 2026

The 2020 lung cancer death of naval lieutenant Salvatore Legnosecco was ruled to be caused by occupational asbestos exposure during military service, by a Court in Syracuse, last week. As a result, it was found that his family was entitled to benefits provided for victims of duty including “special donations and annuities in arrears for an amount of about 500 thousand euros.” The deceased, who was an electrician and then a chief electrician, joined the Navy in 1975 and left the service in 2017. See: Amianto: militare siracusano morto per un tumore, riconosciuto vittima del dovere [Asbestos: Syracuse soldier who died of cancer, recognized as victim of duty].

Disturbing New Data

Jul 2, 2026

At the annual gathering of South Korean asbestos victims on June 23, 2026, Kim Mi-sun, Secretary General of Yesan Hongseong Environmental Union, said that Chungnam is the area worst affected by asbestos-related disease: 30% of South Korea’s asbestos victims are in Chungnam; of the 2,633 people in Chungnam recognized as asbestos victims, the majority lived in areas near former asbestos mines; “the mortality rate for patients with grade 1 asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma, and lung cancer exceeds 60%…” See: 석면 피해자 사망률 60% 넘는데... 병력 추적 관찰 필요 [Asbestos victim mortality rate exceeds 60%... Medical history follow-up is necessary].

Dr Singh’s Visit to Kuala Lumpur

Jul 2, 2026

Last month, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Malaya hosted an academic discussion with Dr Raja Singh, a public health researcher with extensive knowledge regarding environmental determinants of health and the use of evidence-informed approaches to disease prevention, at its Kuala Lumpur campus. During the session, Dr Singh explained his research on asbestos-related diseases and, in particular, his development of a structured approach for obtaining the occupational, environmental and secondary asbestos exposure history of mesothelioma patients. See: Advancing Research on Asbestos-Related Diseases: Academic Visit by Dr Raja Singh.

Mesothelioma Treatment: Update

Jun 29, 2026

At a press conference on June 4, 2026, researchers from Hiroshima University, Japan announced that a new drug had been designed for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma which employed a type of microRNA naturally occurring in the body. By turning on an “aging switch,” the new drug suppressed cancer progression. An international clinical trial system is being established to conduct next-stage clinical trials. It is hoped that the therapy will gain approval from the Japanese Government in 2031-32. See: アスベストが原因?悪性胸膜中皮腫の治療に光広島大など安全性確認 [Asbestos-linked cancer? Hope for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma; Hiroshima University and others confirm safety].

Victim’s Verdict in Genoa

Jun 29, 2026

In a ruling handed down last week by a court in Genoa, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) was ordered to pay compensation of €500,000 (US$ 570,000) to the family of a worker who had died from the signature asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. During his military service, the deceased had been exposed to asbestos whilst employed as a boilermaker at the La Spezia military arsenal in Ligura, Italy. See: Amianto, muore operaio. Ministero condannato al maxi risarcimento [Asbestos, worker dies. Ministry ordered to pay maximum compensation].

Alarm over New Asbestos Proposal

Jun 29, 2026

On June 23, 2026, the Danish Parliament considered a proposal from the Danish Democrats to establish a training scheme so that “private individuals can remove asbestos roofs from their own homes.” Under the proposal, non-specialists would be allowed to take a course which would, once completed, provide them with “a limited, personal authorization to demolish their own asbestos-containing roof.” The motivation for this proposal is the rising cost of asbestos removal technicians. See: 3F’s byggegruppe: At lade private udføre asbestarbejde svarer til at køre over for rødt lys [3F's construction group: Letting private individuals carry out asbestos work is like running a red light].

Mesothelioma Clinical Trial

Jun 29, 2026

A clinical trial – SELECTmeso1 – run by a Leicester research team, under the leadership of Professor Dean Fennell, and collaborators in Southampton, led by Professor Gareth Griffiths, is investigating the use of a new personalized treatment for mesothelioma patients. The focus of the pioneering initiative is whether a targeted cancer treatment can improve outcomes for those patients with the MTAP genetic biomarker. The first patients for the trial have been recruited by staff at the Leicester Royal Infirmary; in due course, patients will also be able to access the trial at ten other UK hospitals. See: Finding the right target: Personalising treatment for an aggressive asbestos-linked cancer.

Asbestos Industry Tactic

Jun 29, 2026

The text cited below, which appeared on June 23, 2026 on the news portal of the Russian News Agency (TASS), reported yet another asbestos industry ploy to increase domestic asbestos consumption. According to scientists from the Perm National Research Polytechnic University, the use of chrysotile (white) asbestos fibers in road surfaces increased strength and longevity by 30-40%. There was no mention in the article that chrysotile asbestos had been designated by international agencies as a group 1 carcinogen. See: Найден способ замедлить разрушение асфальта на дорогах на 30-40% [A way has been found to slow down the destruction of asphalt on roads by 30-40%].

Government Whitewash?

Jun 29, 2026

A joint response by the Office of Product Safety and Standards, the UK Health Security Agency and the Health and Safety Executive was issued on June 19, 2026 to address the ongoing scandal posed by the sale of asbestos-contaminated toys in the UK. Once again, the Government asserted that: the “UK product safety framework provides a robust level of protection”; “in the UK there is a zero-tolerance approach to asbestos in consumer products”; “the presence of asbestos in a consumer product does not always mean there is an immediate danger to health.” Blah-blah-blah. See: Government response. Joint Statement on Asbestos in Consumer Products.

Trust Fund Betraying Former Workers

Jun 26, 2026

A stunning addition to the asbestos series undertaken by Confront Power – “an independent, not-for-profit investigative journalism platform” – revealed that less than 0.15% of the compensation paid by a Turner & Newall (T&N) trust fund had gone to the company’s former workers in Africa. T&N owned and operated asbestos mines and factories in South Africa, Nigeria, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia. According to recent data from the trust’s annual accounts “only 101 people from the region have received a total of £191,000 (US$253,000) in compensation.” See: Negligible compensation for Turner & Newall’s asbestos-exposed African workforce.