News Archive

The article cited below explored the ramifications of a recent ruling by the Jakarta High Court, which rejected huge financial claims sought by asbestos industry vested interests against civil society campaigners who had successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to take decisive action on the asbestos hazard. Welcoming aspects of the decision, the accused, however, highlighted the court’s misunderstanding regarding the serious danger posed by human exposures to chrysotile (white) asbestos and the purview of the Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. See: Key Win over the Asbestos Industry in Indonesia.

Asbestos Cancer at Steel Mills

Jan 8, 2026

The First Panel of the Regional Labor Court of the 3rd Region (TRT-3) of the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais, last month issued a victim’s verdict in a case brought by the family of Manoel Abel de Oliveira who died as a result of nasopharyngeal neoplasia – a rare throat cancer – which had been caused by workplace exposures to asbestos. Each of the three heirs was awarded R$500,000 (US$93,000) in compensation for indirect moral damages from Oliveira’s employer, the steelmaking company Usiminas, which had failed in its duty to protect workers. See: Reforço na luta da Abrea para as vítimas do amianto [Strengthening ABREA's fight for asbestos victims].

Epstein Files & the Supreme Court

Jan 8, 2026

Two days before a major Italian exposé was aired on primetime TV, the article below was published in La Stampa, a daily newspaper based in Turin, Italy. The article referenced documents uncovered by investigative reporters behind the TV program which showed that a web of high-level foreign diplomats, businessmen and spies had exerted pressure on the Italian Supreme Court to overturn a historic criminal judgment against Swiss asbestos entrepreneur: Stephan Schmidheiny. The emails supporting these allegations had been found in the released Jeffrey Epstein files. See: Epstein e quella rete che porta a Mister Eternit [Epstein and the network that leads to Mister Eternit].

Contamination at Quarries

Jan 8, 2026

Samples of gritting material extracted from several quarries in the Austrian State of Burgenland, in the east of the country, were found to be contaminated with asbestos. Four quarries were closed with immediate effect and the authorities ordered the cessation of all extraction, quarrying and processing operations. The explanation for the contamination given by the authorities was the presence of naturally occurring asbestos. Five hundred jobs depend upon the four quarries. See: Asbest im Schotter. Krebsgefahr: Vier Steinbrüche geschlossen [Asbestos in gravel. Cancer risk: four quarries closed].

Death on the Railways

Jan 8, 2026

On January 2, 2026, the Labor Section of the Messina Court issued a plaintiff’s ruling in a case brought over the asbestos death of a railway worker. The deceased had been employed from 1977 to 2001 as an electrician and maintenance worker by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana S.p.A (RFI), the public company which managed Italy’s railway infrastructure. As a result of unsafe working conditions, he had been exposed to asbestos and subsequently contracted mesothelioma, the signature asbestos cancer. The Court awarded the family compensation of €1.2 million (US$1.4m). See: Amianto nei traghetti delle Ferrovie: condanna rilevante del Tribunale di Messina contro RFI [Asbestos in Railways ferries: relevant ruling of Messina Court against RFI].

Calls for Immediate Asbestos Ban!

Jan 8, 2026

Welcoming Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup to his new post on January 6, 2026, representatives from NGOs and trade union organizations called on him to prioritize banning asbestos throughout Malaysia. The campaigners said that Minister Kurup’s background as a former World Trade Organization trade and legal officer and a former Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister “placed him in a strong position to counter industry lobbying.” See: Groups urge new environment minister to make asbestos ban top priority.

Another Victim’s Verdict!

Jan 5, 2026

After juries in Minnesota and California handed down massive victims’ verdicts brought by cancer victims against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) last month, a Maryland jury followed suit, awarding 59-year old Cherie Craft $1.56 billion. The plaintiff had used asbestos-contaminated baby powder marketed by J&J which, her lawyer argued, had caused her to contract the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. This was the largest amount ever awarded against J&J in a talc case; the company said it would appeal the ruling which was, J&J spokesman Erik Haas claimed, “egregious and patently unconstitutional.” See: Baltimore jury orders J&J to pay $1.5B in largest-ever award to a talc plaintiff.

Lung Diseases in Rajasthan

Jan 5, 2026

Even though asbestos mining was banned in India, there are many cases of asbestosis in Rajasthan amongst those who were exposed to asbestos at work or environmentally, such as people who lived in villages where asbestos mines were operational and in nearby villages. While some asbestosis claimants received government benefits in Rajasthan, the numbers are small and are restricted to people with occupational injuries. Other workers incapacitated by asbestosis, silicosis and other mine-related injuries received no compensation or benefits, placing a serious burden on families. See: Silicosis and asbestosis continue to haunt Rajasthan’s former mining villages.

Increasing Asbestos Protections!

Jan 5, 2026

Unlike the UK, in Ireland workers benefited last year from enhanced protections against asbestos exposures introduced throughout the European Union. By the end of December 2025, Member States were obliged to implement stricter rules as laid down in Directive (EU) 2023/2668, which updated mandatory guidelines for occupational asbestos protection. The main change was the reduction of the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) for asbestos fibers in the air, from 0.1 to 0.01 fibres/cm³. Employers were required to identify asbestos-containing materials prior to proceeding with renovation, demolition, or maintenance work on older buildings; in addition, workers were obliged to undergo comprehensive training on the safe handling of asbestos. See: 2025 marked a year of important changes for workplace safety in Ireland.

Mesothelioma Data: Update

Jan 5, 2026

A paper uploaded to the journal of Italy’s Society for Epidemiology and Prevention – Epidemiologia & Prevenzione – considered data documenting the mesothelioma incidence in the Lombardy Region, Northern Italy for 2013-14. Among the observations noted were: 3,588 male cases, 1,671 female cases; workers most at risk were men in the construction and metalworking industries; increasing rates were found for men and women in the 75+ years cohort. See: Accuratezza delle previsioni sulla frequenza di mesoteliomi, caratteristiche dei casi e tassi di incidenza in Lombardia [Accuracy of mesothelioma occurrence forecasts, characteristics of cases, and incidence rates in Lombardy Region (Northern Italy)].

Colorado Needs Asbestos Registry!

Jan 5, 2026

The article cited below called for a public asbestos registry to help people in Colorado make better decisions when dealing with asbestos in government and commercial buildings, domestic premises, the environment, etc. Reporter Jonathan Sharp commented that the US lacked “a transparent and centralized system that clearly documents where exposure occurred… Without transparency, communities like El Paso County are left without the whole truth they deserve.” The tools needed included a Mesothelioma Registry and a National Occupational Exposure Registry. “It’s time,” Sharp concluded “to exchange secrecy for truth and honor those who quietly pay the price for America’s industrial and military past.” See: Colorado needs transparency around asbestos contamination.

Asbestos Eradication at Schools

Jan 5, 2026

The sum of 870 million won (US$604,000) was allocated by the South Korean Province of Gyeonggi for asbestos removal work at Hatap Middle School following pressure exerted by concerned parents. Welcoming this development, Provincial Councilor Lee Seo-young pledged that asbestos removal work would also be carried out at Anmal Elementary School and Yatap Elementary School during this winter vacation. See: 이서영 경기도의원, “분당 하탑중 석면 제거·교육환경 개선 예산 8억 7천만원 반영 환영 [Gyeonggi Provincial Council Member Lee Seo-young: “We welcome the 870 million won budget allocated to Bundang Hatap Middle School for asbestos removal and educational environment improvement”].

Asbestos Ban Bill

Dec 30, 2025

On December 26, 2025, the Parliament of Azerbaijan considered and approved the first draft of legislation designed to ban asbestos and the use of asbestos-containing materials. If the law is adopted, the prohibitions are scheduled to come into effect on July 1, 2027. According to Azerbaijani expert Elnur Farzaliyev: “Today, more than 30% of roofing and water pipes in the country contain asbestos. The most common example is asbestos-cement roofing tiles – a popular roofing material of the Soviet period.” See: Асбест уходит в прошлое: как новый запрет может повлиять на строительный рынок в Азербайджане? [Asbestos is becoming a thing of the past: how might the new ban affect the construction market in Azerbaijan?].

Hazard Posed by Asbestos Pipes

Dec 30, 2025

The public health hazard posed by the delivery of water via deteriorating asbestos-cement pipes throughout Canada has been widely reported this year. The timely and informative article, cited below, was uploaded on December 29, 2025 to the website of Canada’s National Observer. The article by Leah Borts-Kuperman referenced sustained efforts by retired journalist Julian Branch to raise awareness of the serious health risks posed by the failure to replace aging toxic pipes, including from diseases such as lung, liver and gastrointestinal cancers as well as respiratory diseases. See: Asbestos is banned in Canada. Why is it in our drinking water?

Class Action by Construction Workers

Dec 30, 2025

On December 24, 2025, 4 construction workers and 7 families filed a lawsuit against 16 building materials manufacturers for damages of 314.6 million yen (US$2m) in the Saitama District Court, Japan. The claimants alleged that occupational asbestos exposures at construction sites in Saitama Prefecture caused them or their loved ones to contract lung cancer or mesothelioma. Damages of 28.6 million yen (US$183,000) are being claimed for each of the injured. See: 肺がん発症、中皮腫も…メーカー16社を提訴、遺族ら11人が計3億1460万円の損害賠償を求め… [For lung cancer and mesothelioma... 16 manufacturers sued, 11 bereaved families and others seeking a total of 314.6 million yen in damages…].

Calls for National Asbestos Audit!

Dec 30, 2025

Asbestos scandals which have proliferated in Australia over the last 2 years led to calls this month for an “urgent, independent audit of asbestos across recent government construction projects…” In previous surveys, wide-scale contamination was identified in hundreds of government schools in Victoria; in response, the State Government allocated funding for an asbestos eradication program. According to safety advocates, it is essential that even buildings constructed after the national ban was imposed should be “rigorously audited.” See: Calls grow for national asbestos audit to improve product procurement.

Asbestos Verdict in Lecce Province

Dec 30, 2025

Last week, a court in Lecce, Southern Italy ordered the Ministry of Defence to pay compensation of €500,000 (US$590,000) to the family of a soldier who died aged 65 in 2015 from lung cancer caused by “continuous” exposures to asbestos during his naval service from 1969 to 1998. A reduction in compensation was ordered due to the smoking history of the deceased; this is being appealed. See: CONDANNA Amianto in Marina Militare, il Tribunale di Lecce condanna il Ministero della Difesa: 500mila euro alla famiglia di un maresciallo tarantino [SENTENCE Asbestos in Navy, Lecce Court condemns Ministry of Defense: 500 thousand euros to the family of a Taranto marshal].

Contamination of Seoul Park & Waterways

Dec 30, 2025

At a press conference held on December 17, 2025 by spokespeople for the Citizen Center for Environmental Health, it was reported that asbestos contamination of construction materials and waste in the Han River Park area of Yeouido, Seoul had been discovered. Asbestos-cement debris was identified in 70% of the waste samples and in 75% of the samples from the Han River as well as in the streams and urban waterways in Seoul, that are tributaries of the Han River: Cheonggyecheon, Anyangcheon, and Jeongneungcheon. See: 환경단체 "여의도한강공원 등지 폐기물서 석면…전수조사해야" [Environmental group “Asbestos in waste in Yeouido Han River Park and other places... We need to conduct a full investigation”].

Progress in the EU!

Dec 22, 2025

Last week, the European Commission adopted new measures to improve occupational protection from asbestos which included guidelines for complying with EU rules that lowered workers’ exposure to asbestos and recommendations for the addition of new occupational illnesses to national lists of compensable diseases. These measures and others to lower occupational asbestos exposure limits were designed to facilitate the achievement of an asbestos-free future for EU Members, which is a core Commission objective. See: Stronger protection for workers with new asbestos guidelines and updated list of occupational diseases.

Legal Victory against J&J

Dec 22, 2025

On December 19, 2025, a Minnesota jury awarded $65.5 million to 37-year-old plaintiff Anna Jean Houghton Carley who claimed that her use of asbestos-contaminated talcum products sold by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) caused her to develop the aggressive asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. Arguments presented by Mrs Carley’s attorney during the 13-day trial in the District Court accused the US pharmaceutical giant of marketing products they knew could cause cancer. The company said it would appeal the verdict. See: Minnesota jury says Johnson & Johnson owes $65.5 million to woman with cancer who used talcum powder.

Asbestos Complacency Rules!

Dec 22, 2025

On December 17, 2025, the UK government issued a blanket denial about the sale of imported asbestos-contaminated toys in response to questions asked by Labour MP Ian Lavery on December 8: “There is no evidence these products are available on the UK market.” The questions related to sales of Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, a product recalled in Australia over asbestos concerns. The MP asked for data on how many packs were sold, what steps were taken to communicate concerns regarding potential harmful substances and what guidance to schools and educational establishments had been issued. See: Toys and Games: Sales. Questions for Department for Business and Trade. Question 97782; Question 97783; Question 97784.

Government Asbestos Data: Update

Dec 22, 2025

Information released by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on December 17 brought the number of commercial establishments whose employees had been compensated for asbestos exposures to 20,624. According to the data for 2024, occupational compensation claims from employees with mesothelioma and lung cancer originating at 1,257 workplaces were recognized. Nine hundred and sixty-six of these worksites were mentioned for the first time. See: アスベスト労災認定の勤務先１２５７事業所を公表、９６６事業所は今回初めて…厚労省 [Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announces 1,257 workplaces certified as having asbestos-related injuries, 966 for the first time].

Asbestos in Children’s Centers

Dec 22, 2025

According to a recent announcement, the Incheon Restoration Land Joint Fundraising Association will provide 12.2 million won (US$8,270) to support asbestos audits in 61 buildings housing facilities for children’s centers in Incheon. According to a recent revision of the Enforcement Decree of the Asbestos Safety Management Act, all local children’s centers will be required to conduct, record and preserve asbestos surveys of their premises. See: 사랑의 열매, 석면안전진단 1220만원 지원 [Incheon Association funding asbestos audits at children’s centers].

Update: Lung Cancer Screening

Dec 22, 2025

Researchers used a simulation study to investigate the cost-effectiveness of low-dose CT lung cancer screening among people aged 50-74 in Norway who had smoked. The results reported in the paper cited below demonstrated “that it [lung cancer screening] is likely to be cost-effective under current Norwegian benchmarks, for both men and women. These findings offer timely, context-specific evidence to guide future policy on lung cancer screening programs in Norway.” See: Cost-effectiveness of low-dose CT lung cancer screening among individuals that have ever smoked in Norway: A model-based analysis using NELSON trial criteria and outcomes.

Legal Victory by Activists!

Dec 19, 2025

Responses by civil society activists (who had been targeted by a SLAPP lawsuit issued by Indonesia’s asbestos industry trade association FICMA) to a November court verdict dismissing key accusations brought by the industry were detailed in the article cited below. Parts of the legal situation remain unresolved and for this reason an appeal by the defendants was lodged. According to Dhiccy Sandewa, one of those targeted by FICMA, because of the lawsuit “the trade ministry continues to make excuses for not immediately making a replacement regulation that confirms the obligation of labels and warning signs…” on asbestos-cement roofing products. See: Win over the Industry Association, Asbestos Products of Permanent Sheets Must Have B3 Label.