News Archive

In 2025, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) began a case against the former Dutch company Eternit over the asbestos deaths of three people; the OM accused Eternit of knowingly exposing employees to serious health risks by failing to safeguard workplace conditions. On May 29, 2026, Eternit’s lawyer Daan Doorenbos asked the Almelo Court to have the issue of limitation reviewed by the Supreme Court. “If the Supreme Court rules in my favor, there won’t be any case left” [to answer], he said. Operations at Eternit facilities in Europe, Asia, Latin & North America exposed countless workers to toxic exposures. The developments in the case are being closely watched in many jurisdictions. See: Company accused in asbestos deaths argues case should be dismissed as too old.

New Research: Toxic Toys

Jun 4, 2026

The first media reports regarding asbestos contamination of children’s toys in Slovenia were broadcast on May 21, 2026. The information in the article cited below was replicated in a TV broadcast which also featured taped interviews with Slovenian medical and scientific experts. According to the reports, only five types of toys were recalled by the Slovenian authorities. They included: a stretchable gorilla and a banana, both of which had been available in Slovenia for more than two years. In addition, several types of figurines and sand painting sets were also withdrawn. See: Igrace z azbestom: kaj smo našli v skritem nakupu? [Toys with asbestos: what did we find in a hidden purchase?].

Sale of Toxic Imports Continues

Jun 4, 2026

A May 27, 2026 article questioned why children’s sand products known to be contaminated with tremolite asbestos were still being sold in Japan by Amazon and other retailers. Reports of the toxic findings made by a Japanese laboratory were contained in a January 22 article by journalist Ibe Masayuki for Asia Press Network and other outlets. Concluding the text, Masayuki wrote: “Japan also needs to strengthen regulations so that even trace amounts of asbestos are considered a violation.” See: 子ども向け「遊び砂」のアスベスト混入　違反で3年以下の拘禁刑でも「分析しない」実態 [Asbestos contamination in children's “play sand”: Despite penalties of up to three years in prison for violations, the reality is that “analysis is not being conducted”].

Asbestos Exposures at Paris High School

Jun 4, 2026

On May 26, 2026, the SUD Education union raised the alarm over faulty asbestos management work at the Jean-Racine secondary school in Maintenon, Paris, despite reassurances by the Departmental Council. According to the union, structural repairs being carried out at the school without due diligence were creating hazardous conditions for both students and staff. See: Amiante au collège de Maintenon: SUD Education dénonce de récents travaux "sans repérage en profondeur" et "prévention" [Asbestos at the Maintenon middle school: SUD Education denounces recent work “without in-depth identification” and “prevention”].

Another Toxic Toy Recall

Jun 4, 2026

The May 26th headline cited below alerted New Zealanders to yet more toxic toys being sold at major retail outlets. Laboratory tests conducted on products sold by the Planet Fun brand detected chrysotile and tremolite asbestos contamination in Funkee Monkee Mega PDQ, Funkee Animalz Puppies Mega PDQ, Funkee Animalz Axolotl Mega PDQ, Funkee Pig Jumbo and Secret Menu Stretchee Foodz Asst PDQ. The toys were sold at The Warehouse and Farmers from January 2025 to April 2026, and Toyworld and Paper Plus from February 2025 to April 2026. See: Asbestos found in kids’ toys sold at major chains prompts urgent recall.

Asbestos Legacy Lives On

Jun 4, 2026

The town of Libby, Montana became notorious for the high incidence of asbestos-related disease due to decades of vermiculite mining operations by the US company WR Grace. After years of decontamination work by the EPA, the town is trying to rebrand itself as a tourist attraction, using its wonderful scenery and natural resources such as Lake Koocanoosa to attract visitors. Unfortunately, this exercise is being compromised by Libby’s history and “reputation as asbestos central.” See: A Montana Town Grapples With Its Past While Paving a Way Forward.

Asbestos in Toys!

Jun 2, 2026

At a May 28th Seoul press conference, the results of tests conducted in Japan and Korea of colored sand products bought in Korea were announced. Fifty per cent of the items were found to be contaminated with tremolite asbestos. The toxic products were made in South Korea and China. Commenting on the results Choi Ye-yong, Director of the Citizens’ Center for Environmental Health, called on the government to ban sales of asbestos-containing colored sand products, issue recalls and decontaminate affected premises. See: [보고서 501호] 어린이 문구 색모래 제품에서 1급발암물질 석면검출, 조사결과발표 [Report No. 501] Class 1 Carcinogen Asbestos Detected in Children's Stationery Colored Sand Products; Investigation Results Announced].

First Asbestos Recall!

Jun 2, 2026

While countries around the world had been grappling with asbestos-contamination of toys, most of which seemed to have originated in China, no recalls had been made in the US this year. On May 21, however, all this changed with the announcement by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of a recall for Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys models 017451 and 41929, both of which came from China. According to the CPSC: “The recalled Orb Funkee squeeze toys may contain fibrous tremolite (asbestos) in the sand, which can cause adverse health issues if inhaled.” See: Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Asbestos Exposure; Imported by The Orb Factory.

Asbestos Scandal: Update

Jun 2, 2026

In the article cited below, the author repeated the words of Greenpeace expert Stefan Stadler who called the unfolding asbestos scandal in Austria and Hungary “unprecedented” and “the greatest environmental scandal of our time…” In some areas, measurements have shown that asbestos levels were fifty times permissible limits. Greenpeace spokespeople are calling for an urgent and thorough collaborative program “involving ministry leaders, regulatory authorities, local government officials, MPs, and specialists in asbestos removal and testing, in order to expedite decision-making.” See: Unprecedented asbestos contamination crisis – vast numbers of people exposed to the carcinogenic material.

Asbestos Alert in Toys!

Jun 2, 2026

A May 21, 2026 article from the Sud Ouest (South West) newspaper, France’s second largest regional newspaper, was a timely reminder of the risks posed by hidden dangers in toys for young children. Readers were informed of asbestos contamination found in multiple sand-based toys and the government’s decision to suspend sales of these products for the time being. Other toxic products included stretchy figurines sold on Amazon which also contained asbestos sand. See: Rappel Conso: risque d’étouffement, amiante, intoxication chimique… les autorités mettent en garde contre ces dix jouets non conformes et dangereux [Consumer reminder: risk of suffocation, asbestos, chemical poisoning... The authorities warn against these ten non-compliant and dangerous toys].

Opaque Behaviour by Town Council

Jun 2, 2026

The article from the BBC news website cited below revealed the refusal of Westmorland and Furness Council “to make public an asbestos survey and management plan” it had commissioned on Barrow Market, in the Cumbrian town of Barrow-in-Furness last year (2025), due to the possibility of legal action. On February 17, 2026 market traders were ordered to relocate immediately due to the deterioration of asbestos-containing materials on the site. According to the Council, the market will be demolished this year. See: Council blocks release of market asbestos report.

Another Recall!

Jun 2, 2026

On May 21, 2026, the French Government recalled another sand-based playset because of asbestos contamination. The toxic item called “My Colorful Sandbox” had been sold throughout France from October 2015 until September 2019. The toy had been sold at retail outlets such as bookstores, shops, supermarkets, discount stores as well as online. Consumers were advised to stop using the product immediately and return it to the retailer for a full refund. See: Rappel de produit pour des raisons de sécurité FLEURUS EDITIONS rappelle MA MALLE A SABLE COLORES [Product recall for safety reasons. FLEURUS EDITIONS recalls My Colorful Sandbox].

Asbestos Recalls!

May 29, 2026

On May 13, 2026, the EU recalled a range of stretchable monster figurines filled with sand – ELASTIKORPS FIGHTER EXTRA FORCE – which were marketed under the brand name: CICABOOM. These items had been sold online, in particular via Amazon. They had previously been recalled in France, Germany and Luxembourg because they had been found to be contaminated with asbestos. They were made in China. See: EU Alert number: SR/01121/26 – ELASTIKORPS FIGHTER EXTRA FORCE.

Asbestos Control Limit Review

May 29, 2026

On May 18, 2026, the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published an “asbestos control limit review” according to a press release issued that day. Oddly enough, there didn’t seem to be a link to that review available on the HSE website. From what is said about this document, however, it seemed that the authorities conducted yet another tick-box exercise: “We have thoroughly examined the available science and consulted extensively with experts across the sector, and our conclusion is that the current framework provides the most effective protection for workers.” See: Asbestos control limit review published.

Post-Disaster Asbestos Scare

May 29, 2026

An asbestos alarm was raised in an area near an industrial estate in North Holland province after a large blaze broke out on May 19, 2026. The fire devastated commercial premises belonging to a car dealer in the historic market town of Schagen. Hours after the conflagration began, the municipal council issued an emergency order declaring several streets near the building out of bounds. An alert was sent out to local people advising them “to look out for asbestos particles on the ground and to check their shoes, to avoid spreading the toxic substance.” See: Industrial site zoned off after asbestos released in fire.

Mesothelioma: Research Update

May 29, 2026

An academic paper on pleural mesothelioma that was published last month by researchers from Western Australia reviewed recent discoveries regarding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Key developments they discussed highlighted the “move away from aggressive surgical cytoreduction towards more biologically-informed, less invasive management and earlier detection in high-risk cohorts, while embracing biomarker-driven systemic and intrapleural therapies to optimize outcomes.” The authors recommended additional mesothelioma trials looking at immunotherapy and novel agents as well as the use of AI tools for early diagnosis and treatment selection. See: Update on pleural mesothelioma.

Parliamentary Action on Asbestos

May 29, 2026

On May 12, 2026, Mauritius’ Parliament approved a resolution calling for the demolition of asbestos-contaminated social housing as a matter of public health. This vote was approved by two trade unions that had been campaigning on the asbestos hazard for decades. Commenting on this news, trade union leader Reeaz Chuttoo said: “This is a declaration of good intentions by the government of Mauritius. We will be watching every step of the implementation. A vote is not a bulldozer. We will be in the streets, in the courts and in parliament until the last asbestos panel comes down and the families and communities are compensated.” See: Mauritius slowly moves to demolish asbestos legacy.

Asbestos Mortality: New Data

May 29, 2026

A May 20th press release by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health highlighted the country’s continuing wave of asbestos-related deaths. According to data from the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases, in 2023, most of the 70 occupational disease deaths which were recorded were due to workplace asbestos exposures and affected people 65+ years old. It is likely, however, that these figures underestimated the death toll due to lack of compliance with mandatory reporting rules as laid out by the Finnish Supervisory Agency. See: More attention needs to be paid to reporting occupational diseases in order to improve the safety of work life.

Update on Unfolding Asbestos Scandal

May 28, 2026

The article cited below, which was uploaded on May 15, 2026, revealed that measurements taken at 300 sites in three counties in western Hungary found asbestos contamination in aggregates used to construct and/or repair road surfaces. The toxic material was sourced from mines in Austria. According to geologist Tamás Weiszburg: “the main problem is that roads built with asbestos-containing aggregates are often neither sealed nor asphalted.” See: Hundreds of Hungarian roads may be contaminated with asbestos.

Another Asbestos Recall!

May 28, 2026

On May 18, 2026, the UK’s Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a recall for Grafix Make Your Own Sand Bottle (Star & Heart), a product which had been sold between August 2021 and May, 2026 throughout the country by the ASDA chain of supermarkets. The items were made in China and presented “a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.” See: Product Recall: Grafix Make Your Own Sand Bottle (Star & Heart) sold by ASDA (2605-0091).

New Funding for Asbestos Eradication

May 28, 2026

On May 11, 2026, the authorities of the Tuscany Region, Italy approved a resolution calling for the allocation of €1,500,000 (US$1.74m) in non-repayable grants for asbestos eradication and remediation of public buildings in cities throughout Tuscany. The toxic products still contaminating the regional infrastructure included roofing tiles and asbestos-cement building products as well as insulation and fireproofing material. Eligible applicants can receive up to €300,000 per building. See: ‘Zero amianto, zero rischi’: dalla Regione Toscana un milione e mezzo per bonificare edifici pubblici [‘Zero asbestos, zero risks’: one and a half million from the Tuscany Region to remediate public buildings].

Asbestos Recalls

May 28, 2026

On May 18, 2026, the Dutch authorities issued recalls for stretchy and squishy toys contaminated with asbestos. The recalled items were sold by Eddy Toys between September and March 2026 in the Netherlands and other European countries. The description and barcode of the affected products were: Stretch toy (8711252322247); Stretch car (8711252335667); Squish fish (8711252351513); Squish & stretch dog (8711252351421); Squish & stretch dog (8711252351575); Elasticorps stress ball (8052532633098). See: Terugroepactie squishy-speelgoed, zit mogelijk asbest in [Squishy toy recall, may contain asbestos].

New Asbestos Guidelines

May 28, 2026

On May 13, 2026, the UK Government’s office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued new guidance for consumers and businesses on consumer products containing asbestos that applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The information provided was organized into advice for: consumers, businesses and workplaces, and schools. The contentious policy for disposal of these goods remains as follows: “Businesses should be accepting recalled products at their stores. It is both legal and safe to dispose of these products in household waste if you are not able to return products to store.” See: Guidance for consumers and businesses on consumer products containing asbestos.

Call for Better Workplace Protections

May 28, 2026

The paper cited below was uploaded on May 18, 2026 to the website of PLOS One, a peer-reviewed, open access journal published by the Public Library of Science. An analysis of available epidemiological data revealed that “a statistically modeled increase was observed in 2020–2022 [of ARDs which provided]…evidence for clinicians, epidemiologists, and policymakers to strengthen occupational disease prevention, reinforce labor protection laws, and improve asbestos-control policies in China.” See: Disease burden of asbestos-related diseases [ARDs] in China (1990–2023) based on GBD estimates: A call for stronger labor protection laws.

Remembering Juisseau!

May 25, 2026

One of the pivotal struggles for asbestos justice in France involved the Juisseau campus of Sorbonne University, built during the 1960s in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. As a result of high levels of asbestos contamination at Juisseau, former members of staff as well as students died from avoidable asbestos-related diseases. The article cited below reviewed key stages in the campaign to remediate the university’s built environment as well as decades of legal appeals aimed at holding the guilty to account. Nowadays, there is no asbestos at Juisseau – the asbestos removal project at the campus was the largest and most expensive ever carried out in Europe. See: Scandale à l’amiante de Jussieu: à Paris, cette université tuait en silence [Jussieu asbestos scandal: in Paris, this university killed in silence].