News Archive

According to data provided by the municipal authorities in Rome, asbestos contamination of the educational infrastructure is still widespread. At a recent meeting, Municipal official Daniele Parrucci told delegates: “there are 111 schools where asbestos is present and must be contained, with a total budget of 10 million euros.” There was, Parrucci said, an urgent need for more funds from the central government to enable a complete audit of all institutes, schools and centers of learning. See: A Roma ci sono almeno 111 scuole dove è ancora presente l'amianto [In Rome there are at least 111 schools where asbestos is still present].

First Toy Recall

Apr 10, 2026

On March 30, 2026, the Environment Agency of Gibraltar issued a general product recall notification regarding asbestos-containing children’s products to all businesses licensed to sell toys. Amongst the items listed were: craft kits and activity sets, sensory and science kits, sand and craft materials, and toys. Many of these items had previously been recalled in other countries including Stretcherz toy figures, Addo Play sand and craft kits, and multiple products sold under the label of ORB Funkee Sand brand. See: Toy recall issued in Gibraltar over Asbestos concerns.

Wittenoom on UN Agenda

Apr 10, 2026

On March 31, 2026 it was reported that at a side event of the 61st Regular Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Banjima Traditional Owner Johnnell Parker and filmmaker Yaara Bou Melhem made a presentation about the “historic asbestos contamination of tens of thousands of hectares in the Kimberley” on traditional Banjima lands in and around the former mining town of Wttenoom. At the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights, the campaigner and director were presented with the Vision for Human Rights Award for their work on the award-winning documentary Yurlu | Country. See: Banjima Traditional Owners take case to clean up Wittenoom to UN, receive Human Rights film award.

Senate Call for Asbestos Justice

Apr 10, 2026

On March 25, 2026, three Senators submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court regarding an action by a major US asbestos defendant – Georgia-Pacific – to evade liability for asbestos claims. Pursuant to a “corporate shell game,” Georgia-Pacific relocated “to Texas for less than five hours, offloaded its asbestos-related liabilities onto a shell company called Bestwall, put Bestwall into bankruptcy, and then claimed that Bestwall’s bankruptcy protected the entire Georgia-Pacific enterprise from accountability.” According to the amicus brief, the Court should take steps to prevent “the abuse of the bankruptcy code.” See: Durbin, Whitehouse, Hawley Call on Supreme Court to Reject Georgia-Pacific’s Attempt to Use a Bankruptcy Maneuver to Evade Accountability to Hundreds of Thousands of Asbestos Victims.

Another Toxic Recall!

Apr 10, 2026

Rappel Conso is the official French website listing recalls of dangerous or defective products. It is operated by the Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF). On March 30, 2026, details of the 27th toy and/or playset to be recalled in France because of asbestos contamination were uploaded to this site. This product was sold between October 9, 2015 and July 1, 2019 throughout France at bookstores, supermarkets, hypermarkets and discount stores. According to the official notice, asbestos contamination was found in one of the tubes of sand. See: Rappel de produit pour des raisons de sécurité Ma Malle a Sable Colores [My Colorful Sandbox].

NSW Update

Apr 10, 2026

When it comes to the asbestos scandal that brought many Australian cities to a standstill in 2024, there was plenty of blame to go around. New South Wales (NSW) Environment Protection Authority announced last month that a deal had been reached with the John Holland company and CPB Contractors to pay $150,000 for taking asbestos-laced mulch to Rozelle Parklands where it was used for landscaping. The money will go to SafeWork NSW and will be used to train workers on the safe handling of asbestos. See: Infrastructure giant pays up after Rozelle asbestos-in-mulch saga.

Calls for Asbestos Ban

Apr 7, 2026

An important paper uploaded by Chinese researchers on March 11, 2026 in The International Journal of Women’s Health investigated the current occurrence of asbestos-related ovarian cancer in China and predicted future trends in age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized disability-adjusted life rate (ASDR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The coauthors concluded that: “The burden of ovarian cancer attributable to asbestos exposure in China has increased substantially and is projected to continue rising through 2050. These findings underscore the imperative for a complete ban on asbestos production and consumption in China.” See: Burden of Ovarian Cancer in China Attributable to Asbestos Exposure During 1990–2021 and the Projections Through 2050.

Asbestos-free Schools!

Apr 7, 2026

Work is ahead of schedule in eradicating the asbestos hazard from schools on Jeju Island, South Korea. According to the Provincial Office of Education, the decontamination program covering 189 government-run schools and 8 private kindergartens due to be finished in 2027 will be completed in April 2026 with the finalization of remediation work at Baekrok Elementary School. The total budget for the entire project was 81.5 billion won (US$53.7m). See: 제주지역 ‘석면없는 안전한 학교 100% 조기 달성 [Jeju area’s ‘asbestos-free and safe school 100% achievement early’].

Asbestos Recalls: Updated

Apr 7, 2026

A list of all the official recalls made by the French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) of asbestos-contaminated playsets and toys up until March 26, 2026 was contained in the article cited below. Many of the products recalled in France were also recalled in other countries. Those which were familiar were: Stretcherz strecthable rubber toy figures and colored sand playsets; items not seen before were: Flypop's marine animals and Auzou editions jewelry box (My friendship necklaces, Girl power, My lucky charm jewelry, My magical charm jewelry). See: Jouets dangereux contenant du sable amianté : la liste complete [Dangerous toys containing asbestos sand: the complete list].

Victim’s Verdict in Rio de Janeiro

Apr 7, 2026

Brazil’s Regional Labor Court of the 1st Region, which has the jurisdiction for all of Rio de Janeiro State, last month issued a victim’s verdict for the family of a worker who had died from an asbestos-related disease. The Court accepted that the technical evidence and medical documents confirmed the occupational origin of the illness even though the deceased’s employer denied liability. Each of the family members was awarded the sum of R$ 300,000 (US$58,140). See: TST aumenta indenização por morte de trabalhador exposto a amianto< [TST increases compensation for the death of a worker exposed to asbestos].

Taking Action in KZN

Apr 7, 2026

Following damage from a severe hailstorm in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, the KZN Department of Human Settlements commissioned a program of asbestos roof replacement for affected homes in the uMngeni Municipality. According to spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya, asbestos roofs are dangerous and can cause long-term lung damage. “We are,” said Sibiya “giving priority to senior citizens from more than 820 residents who are living in this township established more than 50 years ago. More than 420 households have been profiled by disaster teams.” See: uMngeni storm damage exposes asbestos roof risks.

Zero Duty on Asbestos Imports

Apr 7, 2026

Some weeks ago, the Uzbek authorities announced that the country had “extended zero customs duties on the import of 82 types of industrial raw materials and semi-finished products” until 2027. Asbestos was on the list! In 2023, Uzbekistan had the world’s highest per capita national asbestos consumption at 3.4 kg. The figures for Russia and Kazakhstan, the world's two biggest producers, were 0.76 and 0.72 kg per person that year. (In September 2025, the Government of Uzbekistan declared use of chrysotile [asbestos] cement roofing sheets to be safe.) See: Uzbek Authorities Extend Zero Customs Duties on Industrial Raw Materials.

Extraordinary Developments at The Lancet

Apr 2, 2026

Last week, The Lancet, one of the world’s oldest, independent medical journals, announced that it was retracting a 1977 unsigned commentary which had discounted the cancer risk to consumers of using talc-based products (see: Asbestos, talc, and The Lancet's 1977 publication – Editors’ reply). A recent discovery that the author of this text was Francis J C Roe, a scientist with affiliations to Johnson & Johnson (J&J), exposed a conflict of interest which “was a clear breach of publishing ethics.” See: Historians Unearth a Conflict of Interest, Prompting a Retraction by The Lancet Journal.

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 2, 2026

The eradication of asbestos in schools on Jeju Island, South Korea will be completed ahead of schedule according to a recent update on progress of the ‘Asbestos-Free Safe School’ by the Provincial Office of Education. Asbestos removal work on the 189 public schools and 8 private kindergartens under the authority’s jurisdiction, which had a 2027 deadline, will be finished in a matter of weeks when the final project at Baekrok Elementary School is finished. See: 제주지역 ‘석면없는 안전한 학교 100% 조기 달성 [Jeju area’s ‘asbestos-free and safe school 100% achievement early’].

Asbestos Alert!

Apr 2, 2026

On March 25, 2026 the Kidero Group, a company based in Prague, Czech republic, informed the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) of asbestos contamination of some of its products. The affected items were marketed as anti-stress stretchable monster figures which were shaped like teddy bears and were 13 cm (5 inches) long. Prior to the recall, the products had been sold by the Kidero website from September 26, 2025 to March 17, 2026. See: Veiligheidswaarschuwing Anti-stress monster gevuld met zand van Kidero Group [Safety warning Anti-stress monster filled with sand from Kidero Group].

First Asbestos Recall of Toys

Apr 2, 2026

On March 16, 2026, the Canadian authorities recalled two toys which were contaminated with asbestos, both of them were manufactured by Addo Play Ltd. in China. The affected products were: Out to Impress Sand Art Creations – 1,776 units sold – and Creative Candles – 2,368 units sold. Both products were sold in Canada from October 2025 to February 2026. The toxic items were imported by a Quebec-based company called Imports Dragon. See: Out To Impress sand art and candles recalled due to possible asbestos contamination.

Six More Products Recalled

Apr 2, 2026

A striking poster announcing the recall of six products sold by Smyths Toys was uploaded on March 23, 2026. It warned consumers that: “Testing has shown that the material inside some products may contain trace levels of asbestos. The overall risk is low, however Smyths Toys is recalling the affected items as a precaution.” The products recalled were: Dino Dig Sensory Bin, Gold Did it Kit, Dig it Out Dinosaur Eggs, Gem Dig Kit, Dig it Up Pirates, Gem Dig It. See: Product Safety Recall Poster. Smyths Toys Recalls Dig Products.

Asbestos Experiments in Auckland

Apr 2, 2026

The article cited below is about a scientific study being conducted by a small team of researchers from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) led by Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry. They are developing new techniques to quantify the amount of asbestos exposure received by children playing with asbestos-contaminated play sand and toys. Skilled operatives using breathing equipment and wearing protective clothing are carrying out experiments using more than a dozen different sands in simulated real-life situations. Under carefully controlled conditions, the researchers are measuring the amount of asbestos fibers liberated by the activities. See: Testing for asbestos in kids’ play sand no game.

Landmark Case in Miyagi Prefecture

Mar 30, 2026

For the first time, a claim for an occupational asbestos death of a Japanese salesperson who handled cosmetic products was recognized by the Sendai Labor Standards Inspection Office. The deceased was 68 years old when she died from malignant pleural mesothelioma. She was exposed to asbestos which was contained in the talc used to produce many of the cosmetic products she handled at work between March 1974 and June 1977. See: 化粧品にアスベスト混入の可能性中皮腫発症した元販売員の労災認定 [Possibility of asbestos contamination in cosmetics. Workers' compensation certification of a former salesperson who developed mesothelioma].

Asbestos Alert!

Mar 30, 2026

A link to a German article uploaded on March 23, 2026 detailed the results of recent laboratory tests which showed trace contamination of tremolite asbestos in 9 decorative and play sand products but up to 5% tremolite and chrysotile asbestos contamination in one product: Heku High-quality dark blue decorative sand (Art. No. 30330-18) (see: Table. The Tested Products). Voluntary recalls were ordered by multiple suppliers of the contaminated products in Germany. See: Asbest-Alarm in Sandprodukten [Asbestos alert in sand products].

Update: Test Results

Mar 30, 2026

Tests commissioned of 99 play sand products by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) showed mixed results. Whilst no asbestos was found in the majority of products (65), trace amounts – 0.000005 to 0.01% – were found in 29 products. According to the NVWA: “This is below the legal limit of 0.1%. In 5 products, more asbestos was found than the legal limit. This concerns amounts ranging from 0.15 to 0.42%.” The sale of these products was prohibited. Additional products were being investigated. See: NVWA investigation: majority of play sand meets standards.

Controversy over AC Pipes

Mar 30, 2026

The March 21, 2026 commentary by Vancouver Island resident Susan Blacklin which is cited below expressed concern over the continuing use of asbestos-cement pipes in the water delivery system on the island. Blacklin believed that the lack of national drinking water regulations in Canada is indicative of the federal Government’s long-term failure to address fundamental public health challenges: “It is easy,” she wrote “not to find evidence of harm when you do not look for it. It is easy not to find asbestos in water when you do not test for it.” See: Asbestos: Deadly to Breathe But OK to Drink?

Good News for Attapulgus

Mar 30, 2026

The City of Attapulgus, Georgia will receive federal funding of $478,420 to replace deteriorating asbestos-cement pipes still being used to deliver water throughout the municipality. Mayor Art King said that the new water mains will “provide them [citizens] with clean, healthy water to drink.” Unfortunately, said the Mayor, dealing with Washington is a slow process and it may be some while before the funds are received. “That money has been approved, but they’re gonna have to get things worked out.” King said. See: Federal funds to help Attapulgus replace asbestos-cement pipes.

Rehabilitation for Asbestos Mine Site?

Mar 30, 2026

During a presentation at a community hall in Yukon’s Dawson City, a spokesperson for the federal government department – the Crown-Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada – detailed proposals to remediate contamination at the Clinton Creek Mine over the next three years. The federal department assumed the responsibility for the care and maintenance of the site from the Yukon Government in 2025. The initial work will address concerns over local flooding. See: Tentative remediation plan outlined for Yukon's Clinton Creek mine.

Buyer Beware!

Mar 26, 2026

A well-informed commentary uploaded to a Dutch news portal on March 23, 2026 said that the EU’s Safety Gate, a European warning system for consumers, was in chaos. The EU database, administered by the European Commission, was dismally failing to keep up with dozens of product recalls from multiple countries issued in recent weeks. There was, said journalist Richard Clevers no one-stop-shop for consumers to check whether imported toys and playsets for children were free from asbestos contamination. See: Chaos rond asbestspeelgoed: overal waarschuwingen, nergens overzicht [Chaos around asbestos toys: warnings everywhere, no overview anywhere].