News Archive

The timely article cited below by journalist Julie Dufresne examined why Canadian authorities had recalled only two children’s products contaminated with asbestos while other authorities had recalled many more: Australia (22), France (20), UK (48). A representative of the Quebec Asbestos Victims’ Association accused Health Canada of “inertia” over its failure to take action to protect children from toxic exposures. In an email from Health Canada, a governmental spokesperson said that it had “not received any reports of asbestos in the recalled products or any other toys since the recall was published.” See: Santé Canada tarde à rappeler des jouets potentiellement contaminés à l’amiante [Health Canada delays recalling toys potentially contaminated with asbestos].

Explosive Findings!

Jul 17, 2026

An article on the website of The Guardian Australia confirmed the results of laboratory tests conducted in New Zealand which revealed that 90% of craft sand samples when subjected to simulated play activities released asbestos fibers into the air. Many of the products tested had been sold in Australia. Commenting on the results of the tests, lead researcher Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry said that: “she didn’t want parents to panic, and that health authorities in New Zealand and Australia would decide on the next steps.” See: Contaminated children’s play sand sold in Australia can release toxic airborne asbestos, research finds.

EU Warning to Madrid

Jul 17, 2026

Earlier this month, the European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to the Spanish Executive setting a two-month deadline for Spanish authorities to comply with provisions of the EU directive to protect workers from occupational asbestos exposures. “If they fail to do so,” the communication from the European Commission explained “the Commission could choose to refer the matters to the Court of Justice of the European Union and request that financial sanctions be imposed on them.” See: Brussels warns Spain with sanctions for not applying EU rules on labor protection against asbestos.

Victory in the Marche Region

July 17, 2026

A verdict by Labor Judge Gianfranco Tamburini, in the Court of Pesaro, Italy recognized that the 2013 mesothelioma death of a 56-year old Chief Marshal of the Carabinieri had been caused by asbestos exposure experienced during his service. As a result, the Ministry of the Interior was condemned and ordered to pay the deceased’s heirs economic benefits provided for victims of duty. See: Carabiniere morì per l'amianto, tribunale condanna ministero dell'Interno [Carabiniere died from asbestos, court condemns Ministry of the Interior].

Asbestos in Baking Industry

Jul 17, 2026

In early July, 2026, Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor sent a notice to members of the baking industry entitled: ‘Regarding Reporting, Verification, and Management of Old Oven Asbestos Packing. According to the Ministry: “For older ovens manufactured before the asbestos ban was implemented on January 1, 2009, there is a possibility that asbestos was used in door opening packing… companies currently using these ovens should voluntarily check the manufacturing year of their ovens, [and] check for damage to the packing around the door…” See: (단독)노동부, 제빵업계에 '노후 오븐' 석면 주의보…제빵사 '산재 지원' 나선다 [(Exclusive) Labor Ministry Issues Asbestos Warning for 'Aging Ovens' in Baking Industry; Steps Up ‘Industrial Accident Support’ for Bakers].

Asbestos at WW II Shipyards

Jul 17, 2026

Calls have been made for a study which was presented to the US Supreme Court as evidence as recently as 2018 to be retracted. The controversial study used a non-standard sampling methodology to collect data from four shipyards, two of which were operated by the US Navy, and all of which used “high quantities of asbestos.” The paper was published in the Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology in 1946 and concluded that “covering pipes with asbestos is not a dangerous occupation…” See: 80-year-old US Navy asbestos study faces call for retraction.

Shock Discovery at Toy Store!

Jul 16, 2026

A month after journalists informed staff at Intertoys – the largest toy store chain in the Netherlands – of evidence substantiating claims of asbestos contamination of a popular children’s toy, this item was still found on the shelves of the toy store. It was only last week (July 7) that Intertoys confirmed that a full recall had started. The toxic toy, which was previously recalled by US and Slovenian authorities, was a stretchy toy monkey from China sold under the ORB brand name. It contained chrysotile asbestos. See: Asbestos found in toy monkeys sold by Intertoys, one month after store had already been warned. They were taken offline, but remained on shelves.

No Compensation from T&N

Jul 16, 2026

Another stunning feature by Confront Power revealed that payouts by a British trust fund – with a bank balance of £26 million ($34.8m) – intended to compensate asbestos victims in Southern Africa have been minimal. Although, workers employed by the UK asbestos giant: Turner & Newall (T&N) at the company’s mines and factories in South Africa, Nigeria, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia are eligible for support for occupational asbestos-related injuries “less than 0.15% of claimants have been paid.” See: Southern Africans exposed to asbestos yet to be compensated by British trust, says Confront.

Toxic Talc Precedent in Scotland

Jul 16, 2026

News was circulated on July 6 2026 that Scotland’s Court of Sessions had agreed to allow a group action against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), brought on behalf of 300 plaintiffs, to proceed. The claimants alleged that their use of J&J’s asbestos-contaminated baby powder had led to them contracting cancer. A similar case is ongoing in England. In the US, J&J is facing 65,000+ such claims. According to the report cited below: “It's believed this is the first action of its kind against Johnson & Johnson in Scotland.” The company denies all the allegations. See: Johnson & Johnson asbestos lawsuit can go ahead in Scotland.

Update on Asbestos Scandal

Jul 16, 2026

As the asbestos scandal in Hungary and Austria grows with each passing day, the links below will take readers to informative online resources on the website of Greenpeace Austria. According to the preface to a Greenpeace petition, it was revealed that tests undertaken in eastern Austria confirmed “that many locations in eastern Austria are heavily contaminated with asbestos!” See: Asbest-Skandal in Ostösterreich: Interaktive Karte und Zeitleiste [Asbestos scandal in Eastern Austria: Interactive map and timeline].

Petition: Asbest-Alarm: Stoppt das Gift vor unserer Haustür! [Petition: Asbestos Alert: Stop the poison on our doorstep!].

Victim’s Verdict in Emilia-Romagna

Jul 16, 2026

It was reported on July 7, 2026 that a recent verdict by Labour Judge Alessandra De Curtis, of the Civil Court of Ferrara, Italy, condemned INAIL (the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority) and ordered it to pay compensation to the widow of a petrochemical plant worker who died from mesothelioma in 2019. The widow will receive ~50% of the worker's monthly salary, from the date of his death until the date of the ruling. She will also receive a lifetime benefit as well as other annuities, pensions or legal benefits. See: Ferrara, lavorò per 36 anni al Petrolchimico e morì di tumore: «Colpa dell'amianto». Condannata l'Inail, dovrà risarcire la vedova [Ferrara, worked for 36 years at Petrochemical [plant] and died of cancer: “Asbestos is to blame.” INAIL ordered to compensate the widow].

More UK Asbestos Recalls!

Jul 16, 2026

On July 6 & 7, 2026, the UK’s Office of Product Safety & Standards issued multiple recalls for toys contaminated with asbestos. They were:

Product Recall: Sand-Filled Weirdo Toys sold via Amazon (2607-0036)

Product Recall: The Original Factory Shop Novelty Doorstops (2606-0276)

John Lewis & Partners Doorstops & Draught Excluders (2607-0052)

All of the toxic toys were made in China.

Local Scandal becomes National Crisis

Jul 13, 2026

Since news first emerged in April 2026 that asbestos-containing aggregates had been used to pave roads in Western Hungary, concerns have been growing over the health implications for local people. According to new information, 250+ Hungarian municipalities could be affected. Experts call for long-term and comprehensive solutions such as “the complete and professional removal of the contaminated gravel followed by safe disposal…[and] permanent airtight sealing through asphalt surfacing.” The silence of the authorities on their long-term plans for the affected areas is deafening. See: Asbestos Scandal: Between Reassuring Test Results and Political Silence.

Denmark/Greenland Ponder US Legacy

Jul 13, 2026

Asbestos-contaminated buildings left behind by the US airforce at its derelict base in Ikkatteq, southeastern Greenland are just the tip of the iceberg. According to new environmental data: “asbestos is present in abandoned buildings at nearly all of the bases that have been surveyed.” Asbestos sheets and toxic debris from the hospital at the US base in Narsarsuaq remain a health hazard for local people. Both the Danish and Greenlandic authorities are aware of the contamination. See: The massive pollution of Greenland from abandoned US military waste.

Toxic Pipes in Saskatchewan?

Jul 13, 2026

Following revelations from other Canadian municipalities, questions are being asked in the Saskatchewan city of Estevan about the continuing use of toxic pipes installed last century to deliver water supplies. The water pipes, which are made of asbestos-cement, are now more than 60 years old. According to campaigner Julian Branch: “These pipes were designed for a certain period of use. In many cases, we’re now beyond that.” As they age, these pipes deteriorate and liberate carcinogenic fibers which can be ingested by consumers of public water supplies. See: Questions grow over what’s beneath Estevan’s water system.

Asbestos at the Beach

Jul 13, 2026

According to a spokesperson for Plymouth City Council, Devon’s popular Mount Batten beach was closed last week due to the discovery of “high levels of asbestos fibres” in the sand. Fourteen out of the 16 samples tested were found to be contaminated. While further tests were proceeding, the beach would remain closed. Confirming this decision Plymouth's director of public health Prof Steve Maddern said: the “latest sand samples are concerning and we must prioritise the safety of the public.” See: Beach closed again after asbestos found in sand.

Asbestos at the Cancer Hospital

Jul 13, 2026

The article cited below which was published on June 12, 2026 reported asbestos contamination of the Porto Oncology Institute (IPO). The IPO is one of Portugal's most important and largest cancer care centers and treats ~56,000 patients every year. It is just one of 96 such contaminated buildings belonging to the Ministry of Health. Campaigners claim that the current national asbestos audit of the built environment is both “poorly done” and incomplete. See: IPO do Porto é um dos edifícios públicos com amianto [The Porto Oncology Institute (IPO) is among public buildings containing asbestos].

Experts Recommend: Buyer Beware!

Jul 13, 2026

A commentary by Research Professors Attila Demény and Péter Németh, both of whom are full members of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, examined the background to Hungary’s ongoing asbestos contamination scandal from a geological perspective. According to the authors, there were important lessons to be learned from this case. They proposed that: “in the future, preliminary quality testing of rocks from domestic and foreign sources should be mandatory. This would allow potential sources of danger to be identified before use and prevent similar cases.” See: A velünk élo azbeszt: mikor válik veszélyessé? [Asbestos in our midst: when does it become dangerous?].

Open Letter

Jul 10, 2026

The article cited below described the genesis and content of an open letter about the asbestos scandal in Western Hungary. Dániel Holdosi, a campaigner from the town of Szombathely, described how he contacted Laurie Kazan-Allen, the Coordinator of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat, and together they reached out to asbestos victims’ groups and others in Latin America, Asia, Europe and Oceania for support of efforts to highlight the public health hazard posed by asbestos-contaminated roads. See: Több, mint 250 kisgyerek életét forgatta fel az azbeszt-ügy - Így hajtotta ki a nyílt levelet a szombathelyi családapa (videó) [The asbestos case turned the lives of more than 250 young children upside down – This is how the father of a family from Szombathely wrote the open letter (video)].

Free Waste Collection and Disposal!

Jul 10, 2026

Earlier this week it was announced that in 2027 Australia’s Labor Government would, under the New South Wales (NSW) Asbestos Plan of Action, be launching a $9 million two-year trial allowing NSW households to have asbestos waste picked up and disposed of for free. This initiative is intended to reduce the amount of asbestos debris currently being illegally disposed of and “create safer environments for workers and the community.” Illegal fly-tipping is a serious problem across NSW costing councils millions of dollars each year to clean up. See: Making It Free To Dispose Of Household Asbestos Waste.

Talc Testing Mystery Solved?

Jul 10, 2026

Last year, the US Federal Drugs Administration unceremoniously axed federal government plans to require manufacturers of talc-based cosmetics to test them for asbestos contamination. This U-turn was contained in an order signed by Robert Kennedy Jr, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Information disclosed in the article cited below suggested that Kennedy had no knowledge of that order. It was proposed by the author that the impetus for the cancellation of the regulation was a visit to the White House by executives from Johnson & Johnson, a company currently being sued by tens of thousands of US cancer victims. See: MAGA Alliance Fractures Over Toxic Talc As Donald Trump Allegedly Abandons Asbestos Checks To Please Billionaire Execs.

More Asbestos Updates!

Jul 10, 2026

On July 2, 2026, updates for contaminated toys – containing up to 3.23% of asbestos by weight – appeared on the EU’s Safety Gate website. The notifying authority was France. All of the affected products originated in China. They were:

Alert number: SR/01813/26 - Sand-filled figurine toy Stretch squad

Alert number: SR/00980/26 - My living worm world

Alert number: SR/01814/26 - Stretch Monsters. Invincible heroes.

Action Mesothelioma Day

Jul 10, 2026

Parliamentary Early Day Motion (EDM) 503 was tabled on July 1, 2026 by MP Ian Lavery, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Asbestos Sub-Group. The text recognized the personal cost of the national asbestos legacy, acknowledged that July 3 was Action Mesothelioma Day, paid tribute to all the groups working throughout the country to support asbestos victims and called on the former asbestos giant Cape PLC to contribute £10 million towards mesothelioma research. As of July 4, 20 MPs had signed the EDM: 13 Labour, 4 Greens, 2 Liberal Democrats and 1 from the Democratic Unionist Party. See: Early Day Motion (EDM) 503. Action Mesothelioma Day 2026.

What a Good Idea!

Jul 10, 2026

Following the publication of damning results from laboratory tests of asbestos-contaminated sand, on July 3, 2026 it was reported that Professor David McBride, an expert on environmental medicine from the University of Otago, had called on the government to immediately ban all suspect products. Responding to this recommendation, New Zealand’s Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer said urgent consultations were ongoing and included the option of a ban. See: Call for ban of imported play sand due to asbestos fears.

Test Results Announced!

Jul 8, 2026

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.