News Archive

MPs attending a plenary session this month (June 2026) of the Parliament of Catalonia will consider draft legislation calling for the eradication of the asbestos hazard from the built environment throughout the territory, home to 8 million people. If adopted, the law will: unify fragmented local regulations, ensuring uniform, safe removal processes in 947 Catalan municipalities; will set a 2028 deadline for the decontamination of all public buildings; and a 2030 deadline for asbestos removal from all structures. See: The Parliament will submit to a vote next week the law to eliminate asbestos in Catalonia.

Medical Program in South Chungcheong

Jun 15, 2026

From June 11 to 23, 2026, staff from the Asbestos Environmental Health Center of the Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital will conduct a health impact survey on residents from towns near abandoned asbestos mines in Boryeong and Cheongyang. Participants will complete questionnaires, receive medical check-ups, have chest X-rays and speak to specialist consultants. If there are any worrying findings, further examinations will be held and more sophisticated medical tests will be carried out. See: 보령·청양 폐석면광산 인근주민 석면건강영향조사 실시 [Asbestos Health Impact Survey Conducted on Residents Near Abandoned Asbestos Mines in Boryeong and Cheongyang].

Paying for Asbestos Removal in Scotland

Jun 15, 2026

The cost for the removal of asbestos from three former Scottish high schools will run into millions of pounds, according to a statement released on June 9, 2026 by the Scottish Borders Council. Commenting on the news, Council Director John Curry said: “For Galashiels I think the figure for asbestos removal is £1.6m and for Peebles it is around the same amount, with £1m alone for the dining hall and assembly hall, and that’s largely down to the nature of the asbestos and how it was encapsulated in the building, and the way we needed to remove that and demolish it safely.” See: Borders Council face millions of pounds bill for school asbestos removal.

Stricter EU Regulations Implemented

Jun 15, 2026

On May 29, 2026, Portugal’s Decree-Law No. 109/2026 transposed into national law the European Directive 2023/2668. The purpose of these pieces of legislation was to “strengthen the protection of workers against occupational risks of asbestos exposure.” According to one Portuguese commentator the new law “marks a new stage in the management of asbestos risk in Portugal.” Its core provisions included: lowering allowable exposure limits, mandating specialized training for workers in the demolition or removal sectors, establishing occupational health surveillance schemes and setting standards for the use of up-to-date equipment. See: Decreto-Lei n.º 109/2026, de 29 de maio.

Good News from Tuscany!

Jun 15, 2026

An article published on June 10, 2026 reported news of a legal victory for a non-commissioned officer from Italy’s Air Force who had served his country from 1984 until 2022. In his ruling, Labor Judge Giuseppe Grosso from the Grosseto Court ordered the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to pay compensation to the former maintenance technician who contracted lung cancer as a result of workplace asbestos exposures experienced during his military service. In addition to economic and welfare benefits, the MoD was ordered to pay the costs of the technical consultancy and part of the legal costs incurred by the applicant. See: Grosseto, l’amianto gli provoca un tumore: ex militare vince contro lo Stato [Grosseto, former military man with asbestos-caused cancer wins against the State].

Another Asbestos Recall!

Jun 15, 2026

On June 11, 2026, the UK’s Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a recall for toxic doorstops exported from China which were found to be contaminated with asbestos. The items, in the shape of seasonal characters such as Rowan the Robin for Christmas and a pumpkin for Halloween, had been sold at Dunelm stores from November 2024 onwards. According to the OPSS: “The products present a risk to health as the sand inside the doorstops may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.” Other Dunelm doorstops were recalled for the same reason on May 7, 2026; they had been on sale in Dunelm stores between January 2019 and February 2026. See: Product Recall: Dunelm Seasonal Doorstops (2606-0136).

Lung Cancer Research: Update

Jun 12, 2026

The timely article cited below reviewed findings recently published by Australian and UK scientists about medical research regarding the long-term health effects of asbestos exposures. A study by a team at Australia’s Curtin University, which was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, showed that “current lung cancer screening efforts often overlook people exposed to asbestos. This gap puts many at risk of late diagnoses and poorer outcomes.” New lung cancer data substantiated claims that the number of asbestos-related lung cancer deaths had been “greatly” underestimated in the UK. See: International research surge highlights asbestos health crisis.

MoD Guilty!

Jun 12, 2026

A court in Lecce awarded ~€700,000 (US$810,000) compensation to the children of a member of the Italian Navy who died in 2019 from pleural mesothelioma due to workplace asbestos exposures. The deceased had worked as a toolmaker at La Spezia, one of Italy’s most historic and important naval bases. The compensation was paid by the Ministry of Defense. See: Militare morto a causa dell’amianto, maxi risarcimento dal ministero della Difesa [Soldier killed by asbestos, huge compensation from the Ministry of Defense].

Another Asbestos Recall!

Jun 12, 2026

On June 8, 2026, the UK’s office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a recall for KTL Glitter and Glow Magical Sand Art Kit. According to the OPSS: “The product presents a risk to health as the sand inside the kit may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.” The Sand Art Kit was exported from China and was sold in the UK under the brand name: KTL (formerly Kandy Toys). Other items marketed under this brand name were previously recalled. See: Product Recall: KTL Glitter and Glow Magical Sand Art Kit (2606-0116).

Basque Asbestos Claim

Jun 12, 2026

A claim for €378,452 (US$437,600) in damages against multiple defendants was lodged on June 8, 2026 with the Court of Donostia/San Sebastián in the Basque Country. The lawsuit alleged that the defendant companies – Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) [Construction & Other Railway Services], Azpeitia Hermanos, Montajes Nadur, Iberica de frio, Plasticos ABC Spain, Onena bolsas de papel, and Volkswagen Navarra had failed “to comply with safety regulations regarding asbestos…” As a result of these failures, Honorio B. died from the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure: pleural mesothelioma. See: CAF and other companies sued for 378,452 euros over former employee's asbestos-related death.

Support for Asbestos Eradication

Jun 12, 2026

On June 3, 2026, the Croatian city of Split published a public invitation to the owners of buildings in Split to apply for subsidies for the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing roofing material.The public call is open for 60 days from June 3, 2026. This initiative was taken by the municipality “to protect human health and the environment from asbestos.”
See: Split co-finances the removal and disposal of asbestos roof coverings, here's how to apply.

Victim’s Victory in Milan

Jun 12, 2026

On June 4, 2026, the Court of Milan condemned the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for failing to protect deceased serviceman M.R. from deadly workplace exposures to asbestos. As a result of the MoD’s negligence, M.R. died in 2017 from pleural mesothelioma. Finding that a case for wrongful death brought by his daughter had been proved, the MoD was ordered to pay compensation of €400,000 (US$462,000). See: Ex militare ucciso dall’amianto: il Tribunale di Milano condanna la Difesa, oltre 400mila euro alla figlia [Former soldier killed by asbestos: Milan Court orders Defense to pay over 400 thousand euros to his daughter].

Recalled Asbestos Contaminated Toys

Jun 10, 2026

The link cited below takes you to a Slovenian Government website which details Dangerous and non-compliant products including food and non-food products being sold from national outlets. It lists several products recalled this year by the EU Safety Gate scheme due to asbestos contamination. The latest recalls mentioned were dated the end of May 2026 and were for Kiddo world Mega Construction Site Toy: Sensory Set with Kinetic Sand and Orb Funkee Monkee Hairdo Stretchy Sand Toy. The EU notifications are available from this website in the Slovenian language. See: Nevarni in neskladni izdelki [Dangerous and non-compliant products].

The Polluter Should Pay!

Jun 10, 2026

Even though Austrian authorities knew that stone and gravel from 4 Burgenland quarries were contaminated with asbestos, they allowed millions of tons to be sold for use in public areas, roads, schools and hospitals in Hungary. “It is clear,” said a spokesman for Greenpeace Austria “that the authorities had been aware of asbestos contamination for decades.” Campaigners argue that Austria has a duty to take back its toxic exports. See: Greenpeace Austria: “Lo Stato austriaco riprenda la ghiaia con amianto inviata in Ungheria” [Greenpeace Austria: “Austrian state should take back asbestos-based gravel sent to Hungary”].

Two More Asbestos Recalls!

Jun 10, 2026

In the June 1, 2026 article cited below, it was reported that despite the fact that the UK’s Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) had recalled Montessori sand art trays in March, 2026 because of asbestos contamination, they were still being sold two months later by retailers on Amazon Marketplace and the TikTok Shop. It was also noted that researchers from the Which Consumer organization had found tremolite asbestos in the GL Style Sand Bottle Art Heart or Stars set sold at Asda supermarkets. See: Two more children’s sand kits pulled from shelves over asbestos content.

Asbestos Crime & Punishment

Jun 10, 2026

A joint effort by local police and specialized personnel from the Macerata Labor Inspectorate Unit in Tolentino, central Italy uncovered multiple asbestos infringements at a construction site. The subsequent prosecution resulted in total fines and penalties to the company and its personnel of €28,000+ (US$32,550). According to the authorities, more asbestos audits will be conducted on construction sites “to prevent accidents in the workplace and counteract the dangers associated with exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, to protect the safety of workers and public health.” See: Amianto e sicurezza a rischio. Multe e stop ai lavori nel cantiere [Asbestos and safety at risk. Fines and work stoppage at construction site].

Two More Toxic Toys Recalled!

Jun 10, 2026

On May 29, 2026, the French authorities issued recalls for two products. The first one recalled was notice A2601001 – JEU DE LANCER DE SACS [A2601001 – SACK TOSS GAME] which was found to contain asbestos in the sand used to fill the bags. It was sold throughout France from February 25, 2025 until February 27, 2026. The other recalled item was A2502373 – SABLIER DECO [A2502373 – DECORATIVE HOURGLASS] which also contained asbestos. It was sold throughout the country from August 7, 2025 until February 27, 2026. See: French Government Rappel [Recall] Conso Website.

Asbestos in Schools

Jun 10, 2026

Hazardous conditions at Randfontein Secondary School and Toekomsrus Primary School in the Gauteng province of South Africa were highlighted last week by provincial politicians who said that the presence of deteriorating asbestos-containing material in schools posed serious health risks to hundreds of school users. “It is outrageous,” said Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Sergio Isa Dos Santos on June 1 “that government continues to drag its feet on eradicating asbestos schools despite the well-documented health dangers associated with asbestos exposure.” See: Asbestos Schools Still Endanger Hundreds of West Rand Learners Despite Government Promises.

Asbestos Cosmetics Dossier

Jun 8, 2026

The callous reply from the Shiseido company to a request for information pertinent to the asbestos death in 2024 of a cosmetics saleswoman was reported in the article cited below. According to the deceased’s employer: “there is no way to verify the records of raw materials at that time.” In December 2025, the Sendai Labor Standards Inspection Office recognized the death as work-related and was due to the presence of asbestos in the cosmetics and baby powder she handled. See: アスベスト特有のガンで元化粧品販売員の女性が死亡元勤務先の資生堂「当時の原料の記録を確認する方法がない」と回答 [Former Cosmetics Saleswoman Dies from Asbestos-Specific Cancer; Former Employer Shiseido Responds: ‘There Is No Way to Check Records of Raw Materials at the Time’].

Lung Cancer Screening: Yes or No?

Jun 8, 2026

An academic article by Australian lung cancer researchers, published on the website of the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal in May 2025, looked at the effectiveness of lung cancer screening (LCS) for an asbestos-exposed population. The researchers concluded that in this cohort of individuals “current LCS eligibility criteria and risk models mostly underestimate the risk of lung cancer, reflecting the need for improved risk prediction models that adequately account for asbestos exposure.” See: Lung cancer risk prediction models and asbestos exposure: a validation study on the Western Australia Asbestos Review Program.

Data Bombshell!

Jun 8, 2026

According to new research, detailed in the June 1, 2026 Daily Mail article referenced below, UK authorities have been grossly underestimating the country’s asbestos-related mortality for decades. Whereas current data estimates that there are 5,000+ UK asbestos deaths a year, new research suggests that a more accurate figure would be 20,000. The huge discrepancy is because the number of deaths ascribed to asbestos-related lung cancer is presently estimated at 2,300 annually whereas the new research indicates this figure could be ~20,000/year. See [Subscription site]: Britain's Fresh Asbestos Nightmare.

Asbestos Alert over Toxic Toys

Jun 8, 2026

The June 3, 2026 article cited below, which appeared on a Vietnamese news portal, reported discoveries made by the Which Consumer Organization (Which?) UK of asbestos contamination of consumer products sold for children. Tests undertaken by Which? of a Montessori sand art toy found tremolite asbestos, a substance banned in the UK. Although this product had been recalled by the Government in March, the report said that it could still be purchased from multiple online retailers two months later. See: Đồ chơi nhiễm amiăng và trách nhiệm của sàn thương mại điện tử [Asbestos-contaminated toys and the responsibility of e-commerce platforms].

Who Pays the Cost of Asbestos Use?

Jun 8, 2026

An article by Dr. Karen Lee Morrissette, from the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby Montana, which was uploaded on June 4th to the Open Access Government website, reviewed the evolving knowledge about the health consequences of human exposures to asbestos. The author highlighted the worldwide struggle faced by injured workers to hold negligent corporations to account for their injuries and the use by defendants of legal and financial resources to avoid paying asbestos compensation. Dr. Morrissette concluded: “With due respect to industry and commerce, perhaps the Precautionary Principle should be applied to asbestos, whereby protection of human health automatically prevails over industry profit.” See: Legal action on asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma Treatment: Update

Jun 8, 2026

The first randomised UK clinical trial – HIT-MESO trial – is testing the effectiveness of using “highly targeted proton beam therapy…(to) improve survival and quality of life in selected patients with the condition…” The research is being carried out by University College London and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and will treat 148 patients from 23 NHS centers in England and Wales. According to HIT-MESO chief investigator Dr Crispin Hiley: “Proton beam therapy allows us to deliver high-dose radiation far more precisely, sparing critical organs like the heart and healthy lung.” See: On the horizon: proton beam therapy for mesothelioma.

Judicial Setback in Tokyo

Jun 5, 2026

A May 28, 2026 ruling of the Tokyo High Court dismissed a claim brought by construction workers and bereaved families against the government and building material manufacturers for health damage caused by asbestos exposures experienced by construction workers. After the ruling was published, plaintiffs' lawyers announced their intention to appeal the “extremely unjust” verdict. See: 「風で粉じんが希釈される」屋外作業者らの“アスベスト”被害救済認めず東京2陣訴訟でも [“Dust is diluted by the wind”: Compensation for asbestos-related damages suffered by outdoor workers denied in Tokyo second lawsuit].