News Archive

On July 20, 2026, the Office of Product and Safety Standards (OPSS) of the UK Government issued a warning to businesses regarding their responsibility to ensure that toys they sold were safe. They should not, the OPSS said, “rely on final product testing alone to assure the absence of asbestos in toys.” “Parents should,” said OPSS Chief Executive Graham Russell “be able to trust that the toys they buy for their children are safe. We know the recent recalls have caused concern, and that’s why we’re reminding businesses of their responsibility to understand and manage the risks in their supply chains.” See: Stronger asbestos controls needed to keep kids safe.

A Terrible Asbestos Legacy

Jul 24, 2026

Two stunning uploads on July 29, 2026 were about the deplorable plight of people abandoned in 60-year old asbestos-cement houses in Mauritius. The story these articles tell is one of government ignorance and intransigence, decades of human suffering and deadly structural deterioration. Taken together the two texts constitute a damning indictment of the arguments still advanced by vested interests that asbestos can be used safely under controlled conditions. See: Amiante : un risque diffus qui persiste, alerte Reeaz Chuttoo [Asbestos: a diffuse risk that persists, warns Reeaz Chuttoo], and Les murs qui tuent en silence [Walls that kill in silence].

Toxic Toy Scandal Grows

Jul 24, 2026

The Australian issue of The Guardian is keeping up the tradition which began with a January 24, 2026 article in the UK Guardian of breaking seismic stories related to the global scandal over asbestos-contaminated toys. The July 19th issue of The Guardian Australia was the first to report that assurances given to parents in widely broadcast public messages that “asbestos in play sand was low risk unless pulverised,” which had not been based on testing by national regulators, was both incorrect and intentionally misleading. See: Parents were told asbestos in play sand was low risk unless ‘pulverised’. But regulators hadn’t tested it.

Eternit Case Proceeding!

Jul 24, 2026

As a result of a crucial July 15th ruling by the District Court of Almelo in the eastern part of The Netherlands, a criminal case against Eternit – formerly the country’s largest asbestos conglomerate – will proceed. Eternit argued that the case should be dismissed because it was time-barred by the statute of limitations. Legal specialist Hendrik Sytema, whose argument found favor with the Court, disagreed: he said that as the limitation period began “from the moment of the death of the asbestos victim…” the case was still live. In its decision, the Court rejected the plea of prescription and ruled that the action by the Public Prosecution Service could continue. See: Leerstuk Verjaring [Statute of Limitations].

Quebec’s Asbestos Legacy

Jul 24, 2026

Ludovic Beauregard, Liberal Party candidate for the Quebec constituency of Lotbinière-Frontenac, last week criticized delays in the full commissioning of the Québec Central Railway, which are adversely impacting on the financial prospects of local businesses. Information needed to deal efficiently with the time-consuming problem of asbestos-contaminated soil – which was one of the issues covered in the $38.5 million 2022-2025 Quebec Asbestos Action Plan – was unavailable as the report was yet to be made public. “The government must,” he said “make the data of the Asbestos Action Plan public.” See: Gestion des sols amiantés: toujours aucune justification scientifique rendue publique [Management of asbestos-containing soils: still no scientific justification made public].

Whistleblower Wins Case!

Jul 24, 2026

After sacked London underground worker Micky Steeds won his case last week for unfair dismissal he said that he wanted “all tube passengers to know about the potential hazards his case has revealed.” According to evidence revealed during the tribunal hearing, London transport had failed to safely manage and adequately dispose of asbestos debris found in the underground system. Steeds documented multiple instances when he was provided with a proper protective mask. The asbestos training he was given came more than 18 months after he and his colleagues had begun cleaning asbestos-sheathed cables with stiff vacuum brushes. See: London Underground users should know about toxic dust risk, whistleblower says.

Will China Ban Asbestos?

Jul 22, 2026

The conclusion of the text cited below suggested that China is on its way to a phase-out of asbestos and that “the survival space of the asbestos industry is continuously shrinking.” Surprised at the robust opinion of the Chinese language article, internet research ascertained that it had appeared on the Canadian news portal 51.ca which is “the largest and most influential comprehensive Chinese media platform in Canada.” Having pointed out the obstacles delaying the imposition of increasing restrictions, the author urged the authorities in China to learn from the tragic experiences of European and American countries and take appropriate action. See: 被欧美60多个国家禁用中国却仍在大量使用 [Banned by more than 60 Western countries, China still uses it extensively].

Electrician’s Avoidable Cancer

Jul 22, 2026

Last year, a mesothelioma diagnosis upended the life of 48-year old Andrew Winder. There was little doubt that he had been exposed to asbestos at numerous workplaces: “I just started as a regular residential electrician and that’s where I think it happened: in Southland there’s hundreds of asbestos-lined electrical panels.” There was no asbestos awareness training and no information provided by employers. Mr & Mrs Winder are calling on the New Zealand government to step up efforts to prevent occupational exposures, in the meantime Mr. Winder is working with campaigners in New Zealand to raise the profile of this deadly killer. See: Asbestos-related cancer ‘preventable’.

News of Asbestos Prosecutions

Jul 22, 2026

A July 17, 2026 article reported on asbestos prosecutions in Australia, the US and Spain which saw convictions for defendants guilty of illegally disposing of toxic asbestos waste and failing to ensure safe workplaces. According to the text, yet another asbestos case was proceeding in the US brought by the Massachusetts Attorney General against the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which was accused of failing to adequately manage asbestos materials during work on a Boston bridge. See: Global Asbestos Failures Lead to Major Fines and Legal Action.

Compensation Fund for Asbestos Workers

Jul 22, 2026

On July 16, 2026, the Croatian Parliament adopted a bill to allow workers from Salonit – the state-owned asbestos-cement factory in Vranjic, Croatia which was open from the 1920s until 2006 – who had been unable to claim compensation or the descendants of deceased workers to receive the sum of €29,100 (US$33,200) in three annual payments. It is believed that the change brought in by this law will allow hundreds of workers who were exposed to asbestos at the factory for a minimum of five years between October 8, 1991 and February 14, 2006 to bring a claim. The money for the compensation comes from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund. See: The Law on Compensation for Salonit Workers Exposed to Asbestos is Going to the Croatian Parliament.

Victory in Kyoto!

Jul 22, 2026

At a Kyoto press conference on July 17, 2026, it was announced that a settlement had been reached in the Kyoto District Court in a legal case for lung cancer sufferer Eiichi Kamitani against Nozawa, a building products manufacturer whose asbestos material had caused the claimant to contract cancer. The defendant agreed to apologize and pay an undisclosed sum in compensation. See: 京都アスベスト訴訟　肺がん発症の原告１人の和解が成立　建材メーカーがおわびし、解決金を支払う [Kyoto asbestos lawsuit: Settlement reached for one plaintiff who developed lung cancer; building materials manufacturer apologizes and pays compensation].

Victory for Szombathely!

Jul 22, 2026

Following an announcement made on July 16, 2026 that the Hungarian Government would remove 12 kilometers of asbestos-containing crushed stone from roads in the Oladi Plateau district of Szombathely, the Prime Minister Péter Magyar said he seeks another “urgent bilateral meeting with the Austrian Chancellor in order to take direct state responsibility and settle compensation.” Maygar told journalists that: “This can no longer be swept under the carpet.” See: Azbesztbotrány: Magyar Péter sürgosen találkozni akar az osztrák kancellárral – “Ezt már nem lehet a szonyeg alá söpörni” [Asbestos scandal: Péter Magyar urgently wants to meet with Austrian chancellor – “This can no longer be swept under the carpet”].

Asbestos: An Ongoing Hazard

Jul 20, 2026

The article cited below examined recent asbestos exposure incidents across continental Europe involving carpenters and laborers in Germany, members of the emergency services in the Netherlands and local people in Austria. Despite years of strict European Union regulations and mandatory guidelines, exposures to asbestos remain a reality for many at their workplaces, in their homes and from environmental sources. See: Hidden Danger: Unknowing Exposure to Asbestos Plagues Workers Across Europe.

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 20, 2026

Making good use of the summer school holidays, specialist operatives commissioned by the authorities in the Gwangju Metropolitan Government, South Korea will undertake asbestos removal work in the coming weeks at 5 elementary schools and 3 middle schools. By the end of 2026, decontamination work will be completed at a total of 32 schools. According to Superintendent of the Gwangju Western Office of Education Baek Ki-sang: “We will do our utmost to gradually clear up leftover asbestos in schools to create a safe educational environment.” See: 광주 초·중 8개교 22일부터 석면 제거…연말까지 32개교 완료 [Asbestos removal at eight elementary and middle schools in Gwangju starting the 22nd... 32 schools to be completed by the end of the year].

Toxic Waste Sites?

Jul 20, 2026

Activists and environmentalists in Homa Bay county, western Kenya are outraged by plans to dump asbestos debris in the Kasgunga area, near the shores of Lake Victoria. The proposal by Lakers Consultancy Ltd. is a response to the Kenyan Government’s ultimatum calling for property owners to eradicate asbestos contamination in the built environment. According to campaigner Evans Oloo, the proposal is “environmentally dangerous, socially irresponsible, medically hazardous and constitutionally unacceptable.” See: Activists object to dumping of asbestos.

UK:0, EU:1

Jul 20, 2026

While the EU introduced stricter regulations to protect workers from toxic asbestos exposures – 0.01 fibers per milliliter (f/ml) over an eight-hour period with further reductions for 2029 – under the questionable oversight of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK retained the current asbestos exposure limit of 0.1 f/ml. According to HSE officials, there was no justification for increasing restrictions as there was “insufficient evidence that tighter limits would meaningfully improve health outcomes or further reduce actual exposure levels.” See: Asbestos Risks Persist as UK Holds Firm on Exposure Limits.

Mesothelioma: Research Breakthrough?

Jul 20, 2026

By attacking a patient’s cancer energy system, researchers in Vermont were able to control disease progression in 67% of mesothelioma patients according to a study published on July 14, 2026 in the Journal of Nature Communications. Using the new RSO-021 drug, overall survival improved in a cohort of 15 patients. According to Professor Brian Cunniff: “Our drug has both cytotoxic activity, it can kill the tumor cells, but it also has immunomodulatory capacity where it can modulate the immune system to now manage the tumor.” With the completion of phase two of the drug trial, the research program is expanding. See: New Cancer Drug Shows Promise in Mesothelioma Trial.

Mandatory Maritime Asbestos Surveys

Jul 20, 2026

In the July 9, 2026 issue of the Royal Inland Shipping Netherlands newsletter it was reported that the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) had issued a notification that it planned to enforce regulations stipulating that all vessels built before 1994 at home or at any time if built abroad had up-to-date asbestos surveys. Because of recent on-board asbestos discoveries, the ILT will embark on a course of inspections that will look for asbestos-containing products such as: brake linings, gaskets, insulation, plating, floor coverings, flue gas ducts, penetrations and leveling floors. See: Aandacht voor asbest aan boord [Attention to asbestos on board].

“Intertia” on Asbestos Recalls

Jul 17, 2026

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.