News Archive

On April 22, 2026, the EU’s consumer watchdog system updated an earlier alert for an asbestos-contaminated sand product which had been recalled in Germany (and Luxembourg) and that included 7 packets of different colored sand. The next day (April 23), an EU recall was issued for another toxic children’s product after it had been recalled in the Netherlands. The toy – Magic sand painting – was recalled by the Dutch authorities on April 1, 2026 and contained “asbestos fibres (measured value up to 4.6% by weight). Both products mentioned in the notifications cited below had been made in and exported from China. See: Safety Gate (the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products): Alert number SR/00738/26 and SR/01226/26.

Environment Agency Advice on Recalls

May 1, 2026

On April 17, 2026, new guidance was published for England by the Environment Agency (EA) which clarified key aspects relating to “the storing and de-packaging [of] recalled goods that may contain small or trace amounts of asbestos” (see: The regulatory position statement (RPS) applied to asbestos-containing recalled goods listed on the GOV.UK website’s Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls). The relaxation of certain rules by the RPS is limited to 3 months and will be reviewed by the EA by January 31, 2027.
See: Guidance. Storing and de-packaging recalled products containing asbestos: RPS 367.

Asbestos in the Metro

May 1, 2026

Since April 8, 2026, services on the Paris Metro have been affected by the discovery of asbestos at two Metro stations on line 3. Preliminary work established that 1,650 m2 of tiles near the train tracks had been held in place by asbestos-containing adhesive. Both the stations were closed so that the tiles could be safely removed. The decontamination and renovation work is scheduled to be completed by May 12. See: Stations fermées sur la ligne 3 du métro à Paris: un chantier sous surveillance pour cause de présence d’amiante [Stations closed on line 3 of the Paris metro: construction site under surveillance due to the presence of asbestos].

Mesothelioma Research: Update

May 1, 2026

A paper by thirteen Chinese researchers which acknowledged “the rising global incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM),” and examined the use of new CT imaging tools to diagnose MPM appeared in the April 2026 issue of the publication of the European Society of Radiology, a monthly peer-reviewed journal focused on clinical research and imaging. The co-authors concluded that ResNet (Residual Network) offered “a reproducible tool for early diagnosis and personalized prognosis prediction based on CT imaging alone.” See: Malignant pleural mesothelioma classification and survival prediction with CT imaging using ResNet.

Quantifying the Hazard!

May 1, 2026

Welcoming the April 10, 2026 announcement by the Council of Ministers of Mauritius of plans to establish an interministerial committee on asbestos houses, Joanna Bérenger, a Junior Minister in the Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change Ministry, called for a national audit “to establish an accurate inventory of asbestos houses and guide the decisions of the interministerial committee.” See: Comité interministériel sur les maisons en amiante - Joanna Bérenger: «Sans données actualisées, aucune politique ne pourra être efficace» [Interministerial Committee on Asbestos Houses - Joanna Bérenger: “Without up-to-date data, no policy can be effective”].

Rochdale's Chernobyl

May 1, 2026

It is little wonder that in the run-up to the UK local elections in May, Green Party candidate for Spotland and Falinge Mick Coats made the presence of a 75-acre toxic derelict industrial site – nicknamed Rochdale's Chernobyl – a campaign issue. Coats is part of a coalition which had raised the alert over asbestos contamination at the former site of Turner Brothers Asbestos for years. The Greens are concerned that new site owners, and there have been many over the years, might attempt to use the unremediated land for the construction of a residential development. See: It’s time to turn this no-go zone into a country park.

First Asbestos Recall?

Apr 29, 2026

On April 17, 2026, it was reported by the Swiss media that a product which had been sold in Switzerland as well as in Germany had been recalled by the German manufacturer/supplier: moses. Verlag GmbH. The company announced that traces of asbestos had been found in some of the magic sand products during investigations it had commissioned. According to Swiss federal authorities, the decision was made following consultation with the relevant cantonal authorities. Consumers were urged stop using the products and return them to the point of sale. See: Magic sand recalled owing to asbestos risk.

STF: Paper Tiger

Apr 29, 2026

Earlier this month, the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) continued to forestall full implementation of a 2017 STF ruling banning the mining, processing, use and export of asbestos. During a virtual plenary hearing which began on April 10, 2026, STF Justice Luís Fux asked for yet another review in a case regarding the unconstitutionality of a Goiás State exemption contravening the STF ruling. As a result of this state action, the production of chrysotile (white) asbestos – for export purposes only – continued at the Cana Brava mine in Minaçu, Goiás. This facility is operated by S.A. Minerações Associadas (SAMA), a subsidiary of Eternit S.A. See: ADI 6200 Processo Eletrônico Público Medida Liminar [ADI 6200 Electronic Public Process Preliminary Injunction].

Asbestos in Hospitals

Apr 29, 2026

While Kenya was investing heavily “in the fight against cancer” – a disease claiming the lives of many citizens every year – healthcare workers were routinely exposed to asbestos, a known carcinogen, in contaminated public hospitals. This discrepancy was recently highlighted by members of the Senate Committee on Health – Senators Jackson Mandago, Richard Momoima Onyonka and Vincent Chemitei – who raised the alarm over asbestos roofing of hospitals. See: Senate raises concern over dangerous materials in hospitals.

MoD Guilty!

Apr 29, 2026

Following victims’ verdicts by the first Civil Court of Rome and the Lazio Regional Administrative Court – which awarded substantial compensation against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the 2015 mesothelioma death of a naval helmsman – Italy’s Supreme Court (Court of Cassation) this month ordered the commencement of proceedings at the Brescia Court of Appeal on behalf of another one of the deceased’s daughters. See: Amianto nella Marina: il Ministero della Difesa condannato due volte per la morte di un militare [Asbestos in the Navy: the Ministry of Defense convicted twice for the death of a soldier].

Another Recall!

Apr 29, 2026

On April 17, 2026, a well-known French toy company (Jacques Ferry) recalled from the market eleven monster figurine toys sold from June 1, 2024 until March 10, 2026 under the Elastikorps brand name. According to the recall notice: “The product contains asbestos and may pose a health risk if damaged and the filling leaks.” Consumers were advised to stop using the toys and return them to the point of sale. The toxic toys had been sold nationwide by distributors including: Auchan, Carrefour, Intermarché, Leclerc, Netto, Spar, Supeco, Super U, and Vival. See: Jacques Ferry rappelle Elastikorps [Jacques Ferry recalls Elastikorps].

Asbestos Guidelines Updated

Apr 29, 2026

After consultation with industry stakeholders, WorkSafe New Zealand revised its asbestos-related guidance, with its latest updates published on April 16, 2026. Changes made in the Good Practice Guidelines reflected the evolution in accepted best practices; the correction of previous errors or omissions; and the clarification of common misconceptions. Topics covered included new guidance on: sampling protocols, oversight requirements, exposure levels and various aspects of monitoring and contamination. The new regulatory regime was welcomed by industry stakeholders with one saying it was “a positive and pragmatic step… [that] ultimately contributes to protecting New Zealanders from exposure to asbestos and the harm it causes.” See: We have updated our asbestos guidance.

Asbestos Contamination of Toys: Update

Apr 27, 2026

In an announcement on April 13, 2026 by Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, it was confirmed that tests by German and other national authorities had found asbestos contamination of play sand products. As a result of these findings, companies had recalled suspect products from the market. Most of the affected items were “small quantities of play and craft sand (colored, “magic,” malleable/kinetic), from both online and brick-and-mortar stores.” Also recalled were stretchable toys/figurines filled with sand and excavation kits. Measurements needed to conduct a risk assessment posed by use of the contaminated play sand were lacking. See: Asbest in Spielsand: Weitere Daten für Risikobewertung erforderlich [Asbestos in play sand: Further data needed for risk assessment].

Another Asbestos Recall!

Apr 27, 2026

Following multiple recalls of imported children’s playsets and toys contaminated with asbestos, it was reported on April 17, 2026 that another voluntary recall for affected products had been issued after tests by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment established that one sample contained traces of asbestos. The recall of Uniti sand art products was made by The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery, part of New Zealand’s largest general low-price clothing, home goods, toys, and groceries retailer. Between January 2025 and September 2025, 4,678 units had been sold. See: Uniti Sand Art Unicorn, Monkey, Octopus and Dinosaur - Sold at The Warehouse.

Official Asbestos Alert

Apr 27, 2026

Earlier this month, Oman’s Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) warned consumers that certain children’s toys which had been sold did “not meet the approved safety standards,” due to asbestos contamination. The affected item – model (B-318-19149) – was sold under the Audo brand name and contained colored sand. The CPA 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: CPA warns against unhealthy levels of asbestos in this children's play sand.

Montreal Asbestos Warning!

Apr 27, 2026

In the aftermath of news released by the Canadian Association of Justice Lawyers that “that exposure to asbestos at the Guy-Favreau complex in Montreal was linked to a serious health problem suffered by an employee of the Department of Justice who had worked at the complex,” trade unionists representing 2,500 federal public servants demanded access to “the full test reports regarding the possible presence of asbestos in the building.” Montreal is in the province of Quebec which was, for many decades, the center of the Canadian asbestos mining industry. See: Public servants concerned about possible asbestos at Montreal’s Guy-Favreau Complex.

EU Commission Answer

Apr 27, 2026

A response to a question asked by MEP Manuela Ripa on February 23, 2026 about the failure of the EU market surveillance system – Safety Gate Alert – to stop sales of asbestos-contaminated children’s products was published on April 8, 2026. The answer provided by the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President Séjourné was less than reassuring: “the Toy Safety Regulation… will” she said “start applying on 1 August 2030 … [and the Commission was working] to strengthen enforcement on products imported from third countries and to reinforce cooperation mechanisms between Member States to ensure more effective cross-border enforcement.” See: Joint answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission.

Environmental Crime in Vas County

Apr 27, 2026

A police report for environmental damages was filed after the discovery of asbestos-contaminated crushed stone on several streets in the Olad district of Szombathely, Western Hungary. Results of laboratory tests that “showed concentrations in the samples that exceeded health limits by several times” were released at a press conference on April 13, 2026. Commenting on the findings, Mayor András Nemény said: “There is a health emergency whose resolution exceeds the financial capabilities of the local government.” He called on the central government to provide the funding needed for the remediation work. See: Health Emergency in the West: Asbestos-Laced Crushed Stone Found in Residential Streets.

More Asbestos Recalls

Apr 22, 2026

On April 10, 2026, the EU Safety Gate Alert scheme recalled more stretchable toys – Alert number: SR/01122/26 – from the market due to asbestos contamination. The sand filled stretchable figurine toys were made and exported from China and were sold in France by Ferry Jouets and CICABOOM. Consumers were warned that: “The toy could rupture and the filling of the inside could come out. The sand inside contains asbestos. Asbestos could cause cancer.” The EU alert was based on a French recall. See: Safety Gate: the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products [search for asbestos].

Office Asbestos Exposures

Apr 22, 2026

The extent of asbestos contamination at a major federal office building in Montreal – the Guy Favreau Complex – has now become a hot button issued after it was revealed that a former worker had contracted an asbestos-related disease. The information formerly distributed about the level of contamination at the 1984-built 12-story office building suggested that the asbestos was confined to the basement. According to trade union representatives, however, information recently obtained says asbestos-containing material was present throughout the building. See: Lawyers union sounds alarm over illness tied to asbestos.

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 22, 2026

An official complaint is being progressed with the Public Prosecutor in Pavia, Italy over asbestos contamination of the Golgi High School in the city of Broni in the Lombardy region. Following an independent investigation, evidence was provided to the Prosecutor which revealed that chrysotile (white) asbestos fibers had been found not only in the elevator shaft but also in classrooms and communal areas. See: Liceo Golgi chiuso per amianto: «Tracce anche al piano terra e vicino le aule» [Golgi High School closed due to asbestos: “Traces also on the ground floor and near the classrooms].

Landmark Decision for TMB Worker

Apr 22, 2026

Earlier this month, Spain’s Supreme Court issued a victim’s verdict when it rejected an appeal, by the company which runs Barcelona public transport system [the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB)], against a ruling that supported an asbestos claim brought by former TMB mechanic Jordi Otix Jordi Ribalaygue. The 71-year old plaintiff is suffering from asbestosis, pleural plaques and pulmonary emphysema as a result of occupational asbestos exposures he experienced over decades at TMB’s Vilapicina workshop. See: El Supremo confirma que un extrabajador del metro de Barcelona sufre una incapacidad total por el amianto [The Supreme Court confirms that a former Barcelona metro worker suffers total disability due to asbestos].

Regulator Calls for European Action

Apr 22, 2026

Another timely feature by Richard Clevers on the asbestos furore in the Netherlands caused by the sale of contaminated children’s sand, playsets and toys. Following an investigation, the national regulator (NVWA) recommended that “toys containing sand must henceforth be tested for asbestos.” Clevers urged the European authorities to address this issue by enforcing standardized testing protocols for importers and manufacturers of all sand-containing products. See: NVWA: Maatregelen nodig tegen speelgoed met hoge concentratie asbest, controleer alles waar zand in zit [NVWA: Measures needed against toys with high concentrations of asbestos, check everything containing sand].

Asbestos Audit

Apr 22, 2026

It has been estimated that 16,000 building in Valencia, Spain are contaminated with asbestos. Earlier this month, it was announced that as the first step in plans by the Valencia City Council to eradicate the asbestos hazard from the built environment, a €22,500 (US$26,500) municipal contract for the preparation of a city-wide asbestos census was awarded to the environmental certification company Bureau Veritas. The census must include “the location of the facilities and sites suspected of containing asbestos materials throughout the municipal, urban and rural area, both publicly and privately owned.” See: El Ayuntamiento adjudica la elaboración de un censo para eliminar el amianto de todos los edificios de la ciudad [The City Council awards the preparation of a census to remove asbestos from all buildings in the city].

Eradicating Asbestos Cancer

Apr 20, 2026

A paper published last month in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health by 22 Italian researchers considered the effect of the 1992 Italian asbestos ban on the national incidence of the signature asbestos cancer: mesothelioma. It was estimated that the prohibitions resulted in up to 21,981 fewer cases of mesothelioma. The co-authors recommended that: “Countries that still use asbestos should consider evidence of the effects of asbestos bans, as well as the relationship between trends in mesothelioma cases and changing patterns of asbestos exposure.” See: Modelled effect on mesothelioma mortality of the asbestos ban in Italy and the subsequent phases of exposure.