News Archive

The article cited below described the experiences of European migrants who worked in Western Australia’s (WA) infamous asbestos mine at Wittenoom. Having left their homes in Spain in the 1960s, the families were attracted to the mine by the high wages being offered. The immigrants had no idea that the decision to work in the Pilbara would be life-changing as well as life-ending. More than 2,000 people died from toxic exposures experienced in Wittenoom; this included mine workers but also family members as well as public officials and civil servants. This story by journalist Mónica Ceberio Belaza is highly recommended. See: The Spaniards in ‘Australia's Chernobyl’.

Victims’ Verdict in Kyoto

Oct 2, 2026

On September 25, 2026, Presiding Judge Kazuo Kikui at the Kyoto District Court ordered 5 building materials manufacturers to pay approximately 129 million yen (~US$101,000) in damages for failing to prevent asbestos exposures at construction worksites. The successful 22 claimants included the injured, who contracted lung cancer and/or malignant pleural mesothelioma, as well as bereaved family members. See: 建設現場でアスベスト吸い肺がんなど発症…建材メーカー5社に1億2900万円支払い命令「この判決は貴重な礎」[Asbestos inhalation at construction sites led to lung cancer and other developments... Orders to pay 129 million yen to five building material manufacturers: “This ruling is a valuable foundation”].

Compensation as a Deterrent

Oct 2, 2026

On September 9, 2026, a Regional Labor Court in the Brazilian State of Rio de Janeiro agreed that higher compensation awards were required to encourage companies to invest in prevention and discourage potentially dangerous cost-cutting measures. The case under adjudication involved a worker, with no work-related disability, who had been employed at an asbestos cement factory where he was occupationally exposed to asbestos. He was awarded compensation of R$500,000 (US$96,500) for moral damages. See: Magistrados alertam para alta de doença laboral: “ninguém deve trabalhar para adoecer” [Judges warn of a rise in work-related illnesses: “no one should work to get sick”].

Municipal Scheme for Asbestos Waste

Oct 2, 2026

The widespread use of asbestos-containing products throughout France left behind a nightmare scenario where many householders and property owners were unable to afford to pay for the removal and disposal of the banned material. To avoid illegal fly-tipping, the Lorient Agglomération – an inter-municipal framework in the Brittany region – launched a new service to assist private individuals to dispose of 250 kg of asbestos waste per year free of charge. See: Face aux dépôts sauvages, cette collectivité lance un service de collecte de l’amiante [Faced with illegal dumping, this community is launching an asbestos collection service].

New Analytical Facility

Oct 2, 2026

It was announced last month that a new facility was opened in central Ukraine for asbestos testing of buildings and building waste. Before demolishing buildings or reusing building debris, laboratory personnel will “conduct sample testing using polarization microscopy in accordance with international ISO standards… The laboratory also conducts on-site sampling and accepts materials for testing from clients across Ukraine.” See: В Кривом Роге открыли лабораторию для проверки стройматериалов на асбест [A laboratory for testing building materials for asbestos has opened in Kryvyi Rih].

Construction Workers & Asbestos

Oct 2, 2026

Asbestos disease data just released by the Berufsgenossenschaft der Bauwirtschaft (BG Bau) – “the statutory accident insurance institution for the construction sector and related services in Germany” – recorded 291 confirmed deaths from mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis; there were also 2,304 deaths suspected to be from asbestos-related occupational diseases. As the vast majority of German buildings still contained asbestos, the BG Bau stressed the importance of asbestos audits prior to the commencement of construction projects. Around 1,600 people die in Germany every year from asbestos-related diseases. See BG Bau: Asbest ist die häufigste Todesursache auf Baustellen [BG Bau: Asbestos is the most frequent cause of death on construction sites].

Calling Time on the Silent Killer

Sep 30, 2026

The well-argued commentary cited below detailed initial steps taken in India – the world’s biggest asbestos user and importer – to curtail toxic exposures and recognize victims. Notwithstanding these token efforts, people continue to die from environmental as well as occupational exposures. The author of the text argued that by banning asbestos “India would protect its own workers and families, and it would show a continent that development does not have to be built under a carcinogenic roof. This would mark a significant win for Indian diplomacy as well.” See: The silent killer over India’s roofs: Why it's time to ban asbestos.

Asbestos Eradication at Parliament

Sep 30, 2026

On September 23, 2026, it was announced that a new eradication program would begin in January 2027 in the National Assembly – South Korea’s Parliament – to remove asbestos from the first floor of the main building. The sum of 846 million won (US$617,000) was allocated for the upcoming decontamination work. The specialist operatives will not remove the sprayed asbestos material applied to the ceiling during this phase of the program; previous investigations showed that it contained crocidolite (blue) asbestos. See: [단독] 국회, 내년 본관 1층 '석면' 제거 나선다 [[Exclusive] National Assembly to Remove Asbestos from the First Floor of the Main Building Next Year].

Supreme Court Bans Asbestos, Again

Sep 30, 2026

A news release by the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) explained its recent decision declaring a Goiás state law (2019) allowing asbestos mining to continue in contravention of a 2017 STF prohibition unconditional. In the notification it was reported that: “there are no safe levels of exposure to chrysotile asbestos, a mineral proven to be carcinogenic… [and] the Supreme Federal Court has several precedents prohibiting the extraction, industrialization, use, and commercialization of chrysotile asbestos throughout the national territory under any circumstances, including for export.” See: STF anula lei de Goiás que autorizava extração de amianto crisotila para exportação [Brazil's Supreme Court annuls Goiás state law authorizing the extraction of chrysotile asbestos for export].

Asbestos Scandal

Sep 30, 2026

It was reported on September 23, 2026 that Greenpeace Austria was calling on the Ministry of Education and the state school authorities to address growing public concerns regarding discoveries of asbestos contamination in the vicinity of 22 separate school premises in the east of the country. The asbestos was contained in gravel, asphalt, and grit used to pave streets and parking areas. Immediate action was needed, Greenpeace said, to protect children and school staff from potentially deadly exposures. See: „Könnte auch in Innenräume gelangt sein!“ : Asbest vor etlichen Kindergärten gemeldet [“Could also have entered indoor spaces!”: Asbestos reported in front of several kindergartens].

INSS Annual Review

Sep 30, 2026

On September 18, 2026, the Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims marked its first anniversary. The statistics released to mark the occasion did not make pleasant reading: the majority of applications for assistance were denied by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), the body in charge of administering the scheme. Of the 474 applications received, the INSS rejected 344, 72%. The value of the successful claims was €6,344,794 euros (US$7.3m), approximately a quarter of the €25 million allocated for the year. See: Seven out of ten asbestos compensation claims are rejected.

Legal Update from Brasilia

Sep 30, 2026

The commentary cited below by a Brazilian lawyer involved in Supreme Court (STF) litigation over the unconstitutionality of a state asbestos exemption, analyzed the September 18, 2026 STF verdict which quashed the exemption. According to lawyer Milena Pinheiro: “there is no longer any pretext for continuing the mining activity, the extraction, packaging, and export of this material.” Although no date was given by the Court for the closure of the asbestos mine, Milena said “there would be no reason for a further extension of the deadline granted to the company.” See: “Não existe mais pretexto”: advogada defende fim da exploração de amianto em Goiás [“There is no more excuse”: lawyer argues for an end to asbestos mining in Goiás].

New Gravel Regulations for Quarries

Sep 28, 2026

Protocols adopted on August 3, 2026 by the French Government will prevent the use of asbestos-contaminated gravel sourced from alluvial quarries. Previously, restrictions only applied to 16 quarries; the expanded list of regulated sites names 226 quarries with 60 classified as priority. The high-risk quarries must be assessed by August 2027. The reason given for the new rules was to prevent the use of gravel extracted from riverbeds which contained asbestos fibers. See: France extends asbestos screening protocol to 226 alluvial quarries.

Asbestos Eradication Program

Sep 30, 2026

According to an Asbestos Census of the Spanish City of Pamplona, launched at a September 21, 2026 press conference at the Town Hall, there are 262 asbestos-containing buildings within the city limits. The cost of remediating these structures was estimated at €6.75 million (US$7.7m). Most of the toxic properties identified were industrial buildings. See: El Ayuntamiento identifica 262 edificios con presencia de amianto y cifra en 6,75 millones el coste de su retirada [The Pamplona City Council has identified 262 buildings within its municipal boundaries containing asbestos, the removal of which will cost around 6.75 million euros].

New Asbestos Recall

Sep 28, 2026

Another toxic toy was recalled on September 17, 2026 by the EU’s rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products. The item recalled was a set of 16 blocks, partially made of wood and filled with sand. According to the EU alert: “The toy could rupture and the filling of the inside could come out. The sand inside contains asbestos (measured value up to 1.92% by weight). Asbestos could cause cancer.” The sensory blocks were made in China and were sold under the Tickit brand name. See: Alert number: SR/02546/26 - Sensory Blocks Set of 16.

Long-tail Asbestos Legacy

Sep 28, 2026

Recent news about asbestos contamination across public spaces in Austria and Hungary raised concerns elsewhere including the US. In the article cited below, the authors Jean C. Pfau and Tracy McNew referenced their experience in Libby, Montana where asbestos-contaminated mining waste “was used throughout the town, including playgrounds and ball fields and remains at high levels throughout the mine area and surrounding lands.” They called for decision-makers at every level of government to prioritize public health and adopt a pro-active and precautionary approach using preventive methods which eliminated toxic exposures. See: Asbestos health effects: Future research and education needs.

Post-Disaster Asbestos Hazard

Sep 28, 2026

At a medical conference in Sicily, Italy entitled: War, Global Health and Oncology, delegates were told that the war in Gaza had generated 61 million tonnes of building debris; 15% of the rubble was “contaminated with asbestos, industrial waste or heavy metals.” This pollution was already affecting the health of Gazans and the population would continue to succumb to asbestos-related cancers and diseases for decades to come due to their inhalation of carcinogenic fibers. See: Gaza: oncologists sound the alarm – asbestos found in 15 per cent of the rubble.

Asbestos on the Railway

Sep 28, 2026

Repurposing second-hand railway carriages comes with multiple problems, including the extensive historic use of asbestos in their construction. Before Holland’s Ministry of Defence could “extensively” modify 46 redundant Intercity train carriages for use as transport for the military’s wounded, the contamination of the 1980s German-built passenger coaches would be addressed by specialist civilian contractors. See: Defensie brengt NS-rijtuigen naar eigen locatie voor nieuwe militaire taak [Defence brings NS carriages to own location for new military task].

Victory in Brasilia!

Sep 25, 2026

After decades of struggle, Brazilian asbestos victims celebrated a historic September 18, 2026 ruling by the Supreme Court which upheld the national asbestos ban and mandated the closure of the country’s only remaining chrysotile (white) asbestos mine. “Our suffering is over,” said Brazilian ban asbestos campaigner Fernanda Giannasi who added that the verdict was “a victory for the fierce and resilient struggle of asbestos victims and their partners who supported their campaign.” See: Após anos de luta, STF determina fim da extração de amianto em Goiás [After years of struggle, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) rules to end asbestos mining in Goiás].

Victims United!

Sep 25, 2026

A bilateral program of asbestos mobilization took place in Seoul on September 14-16, 2026 that brought together asbestos victims from Japan and South Korea. The activities were organized by the Seoul-based NGO: the Asian Citizens’ Center for Environmental Health (Eco-Health) and included an Asbestos Victims Symposium in the National Assembly Members’ Office, a press conference at Gwanghwamun Square, a meeting of Korean and Japanese asbestos victims at the Eco-Health headquarters and an in-person and online international victims’ discussion group at the Gangnam Station Conference Center. See: 한일 석면암 피해자 국제교류 [International Exchange Between Korean and Japanese Asbestos Cancer Victims].

Jail Time for Asbestos Crimes

Sep 25, 2026

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Carl Fioravanti – the President of the Illinois asbestos removal company Alliance Environmental Control, Inc. – was sentenced by a federal judge to 6½+ years in federal prison for “knowingly leaving asbestos at a suburban Chicago demolition site (in 2023) after accepting full payment (~$1.8 million) for the purported remediation.” See: Press Release. President of Environmental Company Sentenced to More Than Six and a Half Years in Prison for Leaving Asbestos at Suburban Chicago Demolition Site.

Asbestos Legacy of British Company

Sep 25, 2026

An investigation by the UK TV broadcaster ITV last week examined the long-lasting industrial repercussions of operations at a British-owned asbestos-cement factory in Kymore, Madhya Pradesh, India. According to the report, ~1 million tonnes of asbestos waste generated by Turner & Newall remained behind when the company sold off its operations: “asbestos-contaminated dirt, dust and soil can still be found in playgrounds, sports fields, residential neighbourhoods and open land across the town.” There is a high incidence of asbestos-related diseases and conditions among local people because of the widespread environmental contamination. See: ITV report says asbestos waste in Kymore still endangers residents.

Mesothelioma Research: Update

Sep 25, 2026

A September 17, 2026 media update by the University of Vermont detailed news about research to “turn cancer’s own antioxidant defenses against it, with an experimental mesothelioma drug controlling disease progression in 67% of patients in an early trial.” Scientists are using an experimental mesothelioma drug to kill cancer cells by disabling an antioxidant defense (PRX3) that tumors use to overcome intense oxidative stress. Although it is early days, 67% of the mesothelioma patients in the trial showed controlled disease progression. See: New mesothelioma drug turns cancer’s own defenses against it.

Tragic Municipal Legacy

Sep 23, 2026

The text cited below, which was an excerpt from a new book entitled: Asbestos: killer in Goor by Andere Tijden, recapped the history of Holland’s asbestos-cement industry, detailed the wide variety of asbestos products manufactured, discussed the hazards created by toxic exposures and explained the political machinations employed to create a favorable climate in which this toxic industrial sector could flourish. In 1970, the fightback against asbestos began with MP Nel Barendregt. Steps taken by the asbestos conglomerate Eternit to forestall government action were as effective as they were ruthless. See: De lange weg naar het asbestverbod [The long road to the asbestos ban].

Controversy over Remedial Repairs

Sep 23, 2026

Greenpeace Hungary is calling for an immediate cessation of asbestos removal work on the Oladi Plateau in Szombathely, Western Hungary after receiving reports that people may be working without proper protective equipment. Other information received suggested hazardous waste was not being properly handled. Replying to these concerns, the Vas County Government Office promised an immediate inspection of the worksite. See: Újabb fordulat az azbesztügyben, az azbesztmentesítés azonnal leállítását követelik [Another Twist in the Asbestos Case, Demands Immediate Halt to Asbestos Removal].