News Archive

On July 2, 2026 results we had been waiting for were published which confirmed suspicions that asbestos fibers were liberated during simulated play with contaminated sand. Upon receiving a report from the Auckland research group, the Ministry of Health reconvened an advisory group to assess the findings; its chief medical officer confirmed that the disturbing news would be of concern to the public, parents and caregivers. New Zealand’s Commerce Commission announced that it had opened an investigation into what consumers were told. See: ‘Incredibly disheartening’: Airborne asbestos found in children's play sand.

Three More Asbestos Recalls!

July 8, 2026

On July 1, 2026, the UK’s Office of Product and Safety Standards (OPSS) announced that three more toys had been recalled due to asbestos contamination. They were all made in China. See product recalls:

Galt Sand Stickers Craft Kit (2607-0015)

Fun Sand Art Bottle Kit (2607-0020)

Tickit Sensory Blocks (2606-0321)

In total, in 2026 the OPSS issued 44 recalls for children’s play products contaminated with asbestos (see: Total Recalls for children’s play products in 2026.

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 8, 2026

Asbestos contamination of Hyden Primary School in regional Western Australia (WA) is a source of concern to parents. In June, asbestos debris was, once again, found in the school playground. According to Catherine Mayfield, president of the parents and citizens association, similar finds have been made over the last 12 years. In letters from parents to the WA Education Minister Sabine Winton, calls were made for a comprehensive assessment of the situation and “the urgent removal of contaminated materials.” See: Parents say ‘not enough’ being done to stop asbestos in WA school.

Historic Victim’s Victory!

Jul 8, 2026

A legal case brought by Marshal Claudio Apicella, a 78-year-old former engineer in the Italian Navy was finally resolved last week after battles at the Court of Appeal of Florence and the Court of Cassation (Supreme Court), when the Council of State recognized his right to fair compensation for his occupational injuries. The claimant contracted asbestosis and pleural plaques due to asbestos exposures during 33-years of military service. See: Amianto: dopo una lunga battaglia legale il Consiglio di Stato dà ragione all’ex finanziere di Porto Santo Stefano [Asbestos: after a long legal battle, the Council of State agrees with the former financier of Porto Santo Stefano].

Asbestos Discovery in Vienna

Jul 8, 2026

Following the discovery of asbestos-contaminated roads in Hungary, investigations by Greenpeace in Austria revealed that several streets in Vienna were similarly affected. The source of the toxic material were mines in Austria which had sold mining waste for use as aggregates in the construction of road surfaces. According to a spokesperson for Greenpeace's Austrian investigative team: “an on-site inspection showed that the asbestos stones were already heavily eroded, so vehicles passing through could potentially release asbestos fibres.” See: Azbesztet talált a Greenpeace több bécsi utca aszfaltjában [Greenpeace found asbestos in the asphalt of several streets in Vienna].

Asbestos Legacy

Jul 8, 2026

Research by Hungarian academics published in mid-June 2026 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health confirmed that: “asbestos-containing brake and clutch materials are still present in hazardous waste streams in Hungary nearly two decades after the EU ban.” According to the co-authors of the paper, the evidence revealed by their investigations suggested that unsafe procedures used for handling and disposing of this material allowed toxic occupational exposures to persist long after asbestos use had been outlawed. See: Persistence of Asbestos-Containing Friction Materials in the Hungarian Waste Stream Twenty Years After the European Union Ban.

Two More Asbestos Recalls!

Jul 6, 2026

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].