News Archive

At a May 28th Seoul press conference, the results of tests conducted in Japan and Korea of colored sand products bought in Korea were announced. Fifty per cent of the items were found to be contaminated with tremolite asbestos. The toxic products were made in South Korea and China. Commenting on the results Choi Ye-yong, Director of the Citizens’ Center for Environmental Health, called on the government to ban sales of asbestos-containing colored sand products, issue recalls and decontaminate affected premises. See: [보고서 501호] 어린이 문구 색모래 제품에서 1급발암물질 석면검출, 조사결과발표 [Report No. 501] Class 1 Carcinogen Asbestos Detected in Children's Stationery Colored Sand Products; Investigation Results Announced].

First Asbestos Recall!

Jun 2, 2026

While countries around the world had been grappling with asbestos-contamination of toys, most of which seemed to have originated in China, no recalls had been made in the US this year. On May 21, however, all this changed with the announcement by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of a recall for Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys models 017451 and 41929, both of which came from China. According to the CPSC: “The recalled Orb Funkee squeeze toys may contain fibrous tremolite (asbestos) in the sand, which can cause adverse health issues if inhaled.” See: Orb Funkee Squeeze Toys Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Asbestos Exposure; Imported by The Orb Factory.

Asbestos Scandal: Update

Jun 2, 2026

In the article cited below, the author repeated the words of Greenpeace expert Stefan Stadler who called the unfolding asbestos scandal in Austria and Hungary “unprecedented” and “the greatest environmental scandal of our time…” In some areas, measurements have shown that asbestos levels were fifty times permissible limits. Greenpeace spokespeople are calling for an urgent and thorough collaborative program “involving ministry leaders, regulatory authorities, local government officials, MPs, and specialists in asbestos removal and testing, in order to expedite decision-making.” See: Unprecedented asbestos contamination crisis – vast numbers of people exposed to the carcinogenic material.

Asbestos Alert in Toys!

Jun 2, 2026

A May 21, 2026 article from the Sud Ouest (South West) newspaper, France’s second largest regional newspaper, was a timely reminder of the risks posed by hidden dangers in toys for young children. Readers were informed of asbestos contamination found in multiple sand-based toys and the government’s decision to suspend sales of these products for the time being. Other toxic products included stretchy figurines sold on Amazon which also contained asbestos sand. See: Rappel Conso: risque d’étouffement, amiante, intoxication chimique… les autorités mettent en garde contre ces dix jouets non conformes et dangereux [Consumer reminder: risk of suffocation, asbestos, chemical poisoning... The authorities warn against these ten non-compliant and dangerous toys].

Opaque Behaviour by Town Council

Jun 2, 2026

The article from the BBC news website cited below revealed the refusal of Westmorland and Furness Council “to make public an asbestos survey and management plan” it had commissioned on Barrow Market, in the Cumbrian town of Barrow-in-Furness last year (2025), due to the possibility of legal action. On February 17, 2026 market traders were ordered to relocate immediately due to the deterioration of asbestos-containing materials on the site. According to the Council, the market will be demolished this year. See: Council blocks release of market asbestos report.

Another Recall!

Jun 2, 2026

On May 21, 2026, the French Government recalled another sand-based playset because of asbestos contamination. The toxic item called “My Colorful Sandbox” had been sold throughout France from October 2015 until September 2019. The toy had been sold at retail outlets such as bookstores, shops, supermarkets, discount stores as well as online. Consumers were advised to stop using the product immediately and return it to the retailer for a full refund. See: Rappel de produit pour des raisons de sécurité FLEURUS EDITIONS rappelle MA MALLE A SABLE COLORES [Product recall for safety reasons. FLEURUS EDITIONS recalls My Colorful Sandbox].

Asbestos Recalls!

May 29, 2026

On May 13, 2026, the EU recalled a range of stretchable monster figurines filled with sand – ELASTIKORPS FIGHTER EXTRA FORCE – which were marketed under the brand name: CICABOOM. These items had been sold online, in particular via Amazon. They had previously been recalled in France, Germany and Luxembourg because they had been found to be contaminated with asbestos. They were made in China. See: EU Alert number: SR/01121/26 – ELASTIKORPS FIGHTER EXTRA FORCE.

Asbestos Control Limit Review

May 29, 2026

On May 18, 2026, the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published an “asbestos control limit review” according to a press release issued that day. Oddly enough, there didn’t seem to be a link to that review available on the HSE website. From what is said about this document, however, it seemed that the authorities conducted yet another tick-box exercise: “We have thoroughly examined the available science and consulted extensively with experts across the sector, and our conclusion is that the current framework provides the most effective protection for workers.” See: Asbestos control limit review published.

Post-Disaster Asbestos Scare

May 29, 2026

An asbestos alarm was raised in an area near an industrial estate in North Holland province after a large blaze broke out on May 19, 2026. The fire devastated commercial premises belonging to a car dealer in the historic market town of Schagen. Hours after the conflagration began, the municipal council issued an emergency order declaring several streets near the building out of bounds. An alert was sent out to local people advising them “to look out for asbestos particles on the ground and to check their shoes, to avoid spreading the toxic substance.” See: Industrial site zoned off after asbestos released in fire.

Mesothelioma: Research Update

May 29, 2026

An academic paper on pleural mesothelioma that was published last month by researchers from Western Australia reviewed recent discoveries regarding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the signature cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Key developments they discussed highlighted the “move away from aggressive surgical cytoreduction towards more biologically-informed, less invasive management and earlier detection in high-risk cohorts, while embracing biomarker-driven systemic and intrapleural therapies to optimize outcomes.” The authors recommended additional mesothelioma trials looking at immunotherapy and novel agents as well as the use of AI tools for early diagnosis and treatment selection. See: Update on pleural mesothelioma.

Parliamentary Action on Asbestos

May 29, 2026

On May 12, 2026, Mauritius’ Parliament approved a resolution calling for the demolition of asbestos-contaminated social housing as a matter of public health. This vote was approved by two trade unions that had been campaigning on the asbestos hazard for decades. Commenting on this news, trade union leader Reeaz Chuttoo said: “This is a declaration of good intentions by the government of Mauritius. We will be watching every step of the implementation. A vote is not a bulldozer. We will be in the streets, in the courts and in parliament until the last asbestos panel comes down and the families and communities are compensated.” See: Mauritius slowly moves to demolish asbestos legacy.

Asbestos Mortality: New Data

May 29, 2026

A May 20th press release by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health highlighted the country’s continuing wave of asbestos-related deaths. According to data from the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases, in 2023, most of the 70 occupational disease deaths which were recorded were due to workplace asbestos exposures and affected people 65+ years old. It is likely, however, that these figures underestimated the death toll due to lack of compliance with mandatory reporting rules as laid out by the Finnish Supervisory Agency. See: More attention needs to be paid to reporting occupational diseases in order to improve the safety of work life.

Update on Unfolding Asbestos Scandal

May 28, 2026

The article cited below, which was uploaded on May 15, 2026, revealed that measurements taken at 300 sites in three counties in western Hungary found asbestos contamination in aggregates used to construct and/or repair road surfaces. The toxic material was sourced from mines in Austria. According to geologist Tamás Weiszburg: “the main problem is that roads built with asbestos-containing aggregates are often neither sealed nor asphalted.” See: Hundreds of Hungarian roads may be contaminated with asbestos.

Another Asbestos Recall!

May 28, 2026

On May 18, 2026, the UK’s Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a recall for Grafix Make Your Own Sand Bottle (Star & Heart), a product which had been sold between August 2021 and May, 2026 throughout the country by the ASDA chain of supermarkets. The items were made in China and presented “a risk to health as the sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.” See: Product Recall: Grafix Make Your Own Sand Bottle (Star & Heart) sold by ASDA (2605-0091).

New Funding for Asbestos Eradication

May 28, 2026

On May 11, 2026, the authorities of the Tuscany Region, Italy approved a resolution calling for the allocation of €1,500,000 (US$1.74m) in non-repayable grants for asbestos eradication and remediation of public buildings in cities throughout Tuscany. The toxic products still contaminating the regional infrastructure included roofing tiles and asbestos-cement building products as well as insulation and fireproofing material. Eligible applicants can receive up to €300,000 per building. See: ‘Zero amianto, zero rischi’: dalla Regione Toscana un milione e mezzo per bonificare edifici pubblici [‘Zero asbestos, zero risks’: one and a half million from the Tuscany Region to remediate public buildings].

Asbestos Recalls

May 28, 2026

On May 18, 2026, the Dutch authorities issued recalls for stretchy and squishy toys contaminated with asbestos. The recalled items were sold by Eddy Toys between September and March 2026 in the Netherlands and other European countries. The description and barcode of the affected products were: Stretch toy (8711252322247); Stretch car (8711252335667); Squish fish (8711252351513); Squish & stretch dog (8711252351421); Squish & stretch dog (8711252351575); Elasticorps stress ball (8052532633098). See: Terugroepactie squishy-speelgoed, zit mogelijk asbest in [Squishy toy recall, may contain asbestos].

New Asbestos Guidelines

May 28, 2026

On May 13, 2026, the UK Government’s office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued new guidance for consumers and businesses on consumer products containing asbestos that applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The information provided was organized into advice for: consumers, businesses and workplaces, and schools. The contentious policy for disposal of these goods remains as follows: “Businesses should be accepting recalled products at their stores. It is both legal and safe to dispose of these products in household waste if you are not able to return products to store.” See: Guidance for consumers and businesses on consumer products containing asbestos.

Call for Better Workplace Protections

May 28, 2026

The paper cited below was uploaded on May 18, 2026 to the website of PLOS One, a peer-reviewed, open access journal published by the Public Library of Science. An analysis of available epidemiological data revealed that “a statistically modeled increase was observed in 2020–2022 [of ARDs which provided]…evidence for clinicians, epidemiologists, and policymakers to strengthen occupational disease prevention, reinforce labor protection laws, and improve asbestos-control policies in China.” See: Disease burden of asbestos-related diseases [ARDs] in China (1990–2023) based on GBD estimates: A call for stronger labor protection laws.

Remembering Juisseau!

May 25, 2026

One of the pivotal struggles for asbestos justice in France involved the Juisseau campus of Sorbonne University, built during the 1960s in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. As a result of high levels of asbestos contamination at Juisseau, former members of staff as well as students died from avoidable asbestos-related diseases. The article cited below reviewed key stages in the campaign to remediate the university’s built environment as well as decades of legal appeals aimed at holding the guilty to account. Nowadays, there is no asbestos at Juisseau – the asbestos removal project at the campus was the largest and most expensive ever carried out in Europe. See: Scandale à l’amiante de Jussieu: à Paris, cette université tuait en silence [Jussieu asbestos scandal: in Paris, this university killed in silence].

Asbestos Dealers Celebrate Asbestos Day

May 25, 2026

A news item from the website of Uralasbest, Russia’s 2nd biggest asbestos conglomerate, reported on the fairly muted celebrations held on April 16, 2026 to mark International Chrysotile [Asbestos] Day. Long gone are the multinational, high-profile love-ins of yesteryear when asbestos vested interests from Russia would be joined by their counterparts from Brazil, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere for days of industry mobilization and back-slapping. Fourteen years on, the best the Russian asbestos lobbyists could boast about was a music recital at a local college. See: Сегодня – Международный День защиты хризотила [Today is International Chrysotile Day].

Asbestos: Housing Legacy

May 25, 2026

During a Parliamentary session on May 12, 2026, the Minister of Housing and Lands of Mauritius Shakeel Mohamed confirmed that the government was progressing plans for a rehousing plan that would address public concerns over asbestos contamination of 1,500+ units of low-income housing. This work was being undertaken by an interministerial committee which had its first meeting on May 6, 2026. According to Mohamed, options under consideration included: “a land-to-housing exchange, financial assistance and temporary housing support.” See: Asbestos in former CHA/EDC houses: a process underway, still at the preparatory stage.

FVG Asbestos Audit: Update

May 25, 2026

At a recent press conference in Trieste, Italy Fabio Scoccimarro – the Regional Councilor for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development for the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region, in the northeast if Italy – announced that work to compile an asbestos audit of FVG would be completed by the end of next year. He told journalists that “to date, most of the largest municipalities have already been mapped, as well as about 26,000 buildings… the goal is to make our region increasingly safe and healthy, and reach the goal of zero asbestos on the regional territory.” See: Amianto. Scoccimarro, “entro il 2027 verrà completata la mappatura in Fvg” [Asbestos. Scoccimarro, “by 2027 the mapping in FVG will be completed”].

Fly-tipping in Makueni County

May 25, 2026

The Sunday, May 17, 2026 issue of the Daily Nation reported the illegal dumping by “persons unknown” of thousands of tonnes of asbestos-contaminated debris in Makueni County, Kenya. Comments by municipal and federal officials indicated that an incident on May 13, during which asbestos-roofing material was dumped at a location in Smart Village, Kaasuvi Sub-location, was not an isolated incident. Makueni County Public Health Department acted quickly to contain the damage, warning local people to stay away from the site. See: Asbestos dumped illegally in Makueni as Kenya sits on thousands of tonnes of the hazardous waste.

Asbestos Risks & the Climate Crisis

May 25, 2026

The May 12th commentary cited below was written by Phil Pinnington, Head of Audit and Consultancy at the British Safety Council. The author, who addressed health risks posed by legacy asbestos use in the UK, considered whether these risks were affected by the climate crisis. Issues such as higher temperatures, increasing incidents of air pollution, wildfires, pollution and floods were considered as was the hazard posed by asbestos contained within the aging national infrastructure. See: How climate shifts raise asbestos health risks.

Scented Sand Recall

May 22, 2026

On May 12, 2026, the Australian authorities issued a recall for Scented Fun Sand – blue, green, red & yellow – which had been sold by the Reject Shop: “The play sand may cause a risk to health, as traces of anthophyllite asbestos and tremolite asbestos have been detected in some samples after laboratory testing.” The toxic sand products had been available nationwide between January 13, 2025 and May 7, 2026 and were made in China. See (Product recall): Scented Fun Sand – blue, green, red & yellow.