News Archive

A paper published last month in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health by 22 Italian researchers considered the effect of the 1992 Italian asbestos ban on the national incidence of the signature asbestos cancer: mesothelioma. It was estimated that the prohibitions resulted in up to 21,981 fewer cases of mesothelioma. The co-authors recommended that: “Countries that still use asbestos should consider evidence of the effects of asbestos bans, as well as the relationship between trends in mesothelioma cases and changing patterns of asbestos exposure.” See: Modelled effect on mesothelioma mortality of the asbestos ban in Italy and the subsequent phases of exposure.

Who Gets Mesothelioma?

Apr 20, 2026

A paper published in the peer-reviewed journal JCO Precision Oncology on April 7, 2026 examined the general consensus that diffuse pleural mesothelioma was a cancer that affected mostly older people. The study by researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York reported an increase of mesothelioma in women patients under 50. The case of Reicy Bobadilla, MD, a 43-year old orthopedic surgeon from the Dominican Republic, was discussed. See: What to know about mesothelioma in younger patients.

Toxic Talc!

Apr 20, 2026

On April 10, 2026, it was reported that members of the Mesothelioma, Asbestos Disease, Patients and Families Association submitted a request to cosmetics manufacturer Shiseido and the Japanese Government for research into the asbestos contamination of cosmetics. This action was spurred after a cosmetics’ salesperson died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. She was 68 when she died in 2024. See: アスベスト実態調査要望化粧品販売員が「アスベスト原因で中皮腫発症の可能性高い」労災認定をめぐり [Request for Asbestos Investigation: Cosmetics Salesperson Claims High Probability of Developing Mesothelioma Due to Asbestos Exposure, Regarding Work-Related Accident Recognition].

Asbestos Warnings!

Apr 20, 2026

Asbestos alerts were issued to consumers in Poland on February 17 and March 3, 2026 by European retailers which had sold toys contaminated with asbestos (see: Toy Alert. “Discontinue use immediately.”). The link below detailed an urgent warning by Action, a non-food discount retailer in Germany with 500+ stores, regarding Stretch Squad figures. These toys were sold from April 22, 2024 until February 13, 2026 and may contain trace amounts of asbestos. See: Action wycofuje popularne zabawki. Powód moze zaniepokoic rodziców [Action Recalls Popular Toys. Reason May Concern Parents].

Asbestos Eradication in Urban Center

Apr 20, 2026

The speed of urban renewal projects in Istanbul created an environmental problem with the demolition of unremediated buildings. New data released by Beşiktaş Municipality, a major business, university and tourist area on the European side of the city, confirmed that 10,160 kilograms of asbestos-containing materials from 127 buildings throughout the district had been identified, eradicated and disposed of in 2025. According to Beşiktaş officials, rigorous efforts will continue to create a safer and healthier environment for all citizens. See: Beşiktaş'ta Asbest Tehlikesi: 10 Ton Kanserojen Malzeme Bertaraf Edildi [Asbestos Hazard in Beşiktaş: 10 Tons of Carcinogenic Material Disposed Of].

Analytical Results from Toy Testing

Apr 20, 2026

The article cited below reported disturbing results from the testing of a number of children’s products by analysts working for Stiftung Warentest, a German consumer organisation and foundation. The most heavily contaminated product was dark blue decorative sand exported from China and sold by the German company Heku. It contained two types of asbestos: tremolite (up to 5%) and chrysotile. Five other sand products were also found to contain tremolite. See: Stiftung Warentest warnt: Asbest in Spielsand – Gefahr für Kinder [Stiftung Warentest warns: Asbestos in play sand – danger for children].

Asbestos Legacy in Limpopo

Apr 17, 2026

Decades after asbestos mining operations ceased in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, in the north of the country, the health of residents remains endangered by asbestos contamination of local rivers and streams. Asbestos fibers from soil in and around the derelict mines contaminate run-off water and flow into the water sources, especially after heavy rains, in at-risk areas like Mafefe, outside of Lebowakgomo township. According to Mafefe residents “the water now looks cloudy in places or carries visible particles after storms.” See: Silent Killer in the Streams: Limpopo Village Exposed to Asbestos Contamination.

Poznan Project: Update

Apr 17, 2026

The April 3, 2026 article cited below reported residents’ concerns regarding the working practices of operatives undertaking renovation work at the Przyjazni Housing Estate in Poznan, Poland. According to the report, there was a visible lack of protective clothing and equipment and little monitoring by specialist supervisors. See: Jest skrajnie niebezpieczny i rakotwórczy. Azbest w Poznaniu nie zostal poprawnie zabezpieczony? "Pyl moze rozsiewac sie po osiedlu" [It’s extremely dangerous and carcinogenic. Was asbestos in Poznan not properly secured? “Dust can spread throughout the neighborhood”].

Asbestos Stops Work

Apr 17, 2026

The Swedish real estate company Signalisten announced that renovation work would be postponed on a building on Hagalundsgatan, a residential street in Solna, Stockholm, due to “an extensive discovery of asbestos.” Technical investigations and sampling carried out prior to the start of renovation work had underestimated the scale of the contamination. Asbestos removal work will be needed throughout the building. See: Signalisten avbryter delar av entreprenad på grund av asbest [Signalisten cancels parts of construction due to asbestos].

Illegal Asbestos Sales

Apr 17, 2026

In the article cited below it was reported that chrysotile (white) asbestos stones were being sold by a “specialist alternative shop” in Lillestrøm, Noway owned by Tom Ole Holth who claimed that they promote “honesty and sincerity” despite national and EU prohibitions. When contacted by the reporter, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Environment Agency confirmed that chrysotile was a prohibited substance under EU regulation REACH Annex XVII item 28. See: Selger forbudt, kreftfremkallende stoff over disk: – Finnes ikke farlig [Selling banned, carcinogenic substance over the counter: – Not found dangerous].

Scottish Asbestos Ruling

Apr 17, 2026

In a ruling by Lord Harrower in the Outer House of the Court of Session, Scotland the Court apportioned liability for mesothelioma contracted by a 56-year old retired labourer between two former employers. MCM Building & Civil Engineering Construction Ltd was ordered to pay 0.01% of the damages while Pyramid Joinery & Construction Ltd was ordered to pay 99.908%. The claimant had been negligently exposed to asbestos by both defenders but the exposure experienced between 1999 and 2003 during employment by the second defender (Pyramid) was substantially more than that during the 1.5-day period of exposure caused by the first defender. See: Outer House splits liability for asbestos damages between two employers by nearly 99.9 to 0.1 percent ratio.

Mesothelioma Research: Update

Apr 17, 2026

A paper published on March 28, 2026 by Danish and Norwegian researchers detailed their investigation of the use of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) as a “diagnostic biomarker to distinguish pleural mesothelioma (PM) from non-neoplastic mesothelial cells (NNMC) in both cytology and histology specimens.” They concluded that CHK1 immunohistochemical assessment was useful in some PM cases but qualified their findings saying further research was recommended. See: Checkpoint Kinase 1 Protein (CHK1) as a Diagnostic Marker for Pleural Mesothelioma.

Toxic Toy Recalls

Apr 15, 2026

Last month, Malta joined the list of European nations which recalled from sale asbestos-contaminated children’s products in 2026. In mid-March, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority alerted the public to the dangers posed by toys and similar products containing kinetic sand or decorative sand. Among the recalled products were: HTI Toys – Stretcherz Stretch Squad, Stretcherz Slammerz 4 Pack, Stretcherz Stretch Squad Toys Assorted Figures 4 Pack; Addo Play Ltd – Out to Impress Sand Art Creations, Out to Impress Creative Candles, Paw Patrol Sand Art Pictures; Paw Patrol Bumper Craft Collection; and Orb Funkee Sand Toys. See: Potentially Dangerous Toys Removed from the Market.

Government Remediation Grant

Apr 15, 2026

On March 31, 2026 Summer Lee, a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives, presented a check for just under $1.1 million to officials from the Monroeville Municipal Authority, Pennsylvania. The funds, which were part of the federal Community Project Funding, were for the replacement of ~10,000 feet of asbestos-cement water pipes, the majority of which were installed in the 1980s or before. According to the article cited below, the remediation work was required to improve safety, “reduce the risk of pipe failures and address health concerns tied to deteriorating infrastructure.” See: Monroeville receives $1 million to replace aging asbestos-cement water lines.

Satellite Mapping of Asbestos Roofing

Apr 15, 2026

A Rome-based consortium – called e-Geos – which secured a prestigious contract from Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security plans to use cutting edge technology to update a national audit of asbestos-containing roofing throughout the country. According to e-Geos, “very high resolution satellite images and advanced classification techniques based on Artificial Intelligence algorithms” will allow it to update the national census of asbestos roofing on public and private buildings. See: Amianto, al via la mappatura da satellite sul territorio Italiano [Asbestos in Italy: Satellite mapping begins].

Seoul Asbestos Hazard: Update

Apr 15, 2026

The 50-year-old National Assembly building of the South Korean government contains asbestos which, officials say, is safe under normal conditions. But in exceptional circumstances, the hazard to building users increases. One example was disruption which took place during emergency martial law in December 2024. It is suspected that vibrations caused by the take-off of a military helicopter increased airborne levels of asbestos within the building. Medical experts and campaigners are calling for the immediate commencement of phased removal of asbestos from the building. See: [단독] 오래 상주할수록 위험…전문가들 “무석면 건축물로” [오래된 국회] [Exclusive. The longer you stay, the more dangerous it is… Experts call for “asbestos-free buildings” [Old National Assembly]].

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 15, 2026

On April 1, 2026, delegates to the four-day National Education Union (NEU) conference in Brighton were warned of the “ticking time bomb” of widespread asbestos contamination of the UK’s educational infrastructure. According to NEU executive member Sarah Vaughan since 2000, more than 300 teaching professionals died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Unfortunately, she said “there is still no national removal plan and the government’s own survey doesn’t even record where asbestos is.” See: Asbestos is ‘ticking time bomb’ set to kill hundreds of thousands, NEU hears.

Asbestos Hazard in Ageing Buildings

Apr 15, 2026

An article uploaded on March 28, 2026 to the news portal of the Malaysian National News Agency highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the presence of deteriorating asbestos-containing products within the ageing Malaysian infrastructure. Having considered the problems caused by the use of multiple toxic products, Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Ashraf Abdul Rahman said: “Asbestos ceilings were widely used in the past due to their low cost, but they contain microscopic fibres that can be released into the air. When inhaled, they can cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis and lung cancer.” See: Ageing Buildings: A Silent Health and Safety Threat.

Call for Asbestos Ban

Apr 13, 2026

On April 2, 2026, officials from 44 Malaysian groups – including trade unions, labor federations, consumer organizations, environmental activists and other civil society entities – called on the Government to take immediate action to finalize national prohibitions on all asbestos use despite pressure from commercial lobbying interests representing asbestos vested interests. The manifesto’s conclusion was categorical: “Our fate and our health must be decided by Malaysians, for Malaysians. Leave no room for the asbestos industry to dictate our future.” See: Malaysia’s Public Health under Threat: Groups Warn vs. Foreign Asbestos Industry Hijacking National Phase-out.

EU Asbestos Recall

Apr 13, 2026

Another recall was issued by the EU’s Safety Gate, on April 2, 2026, regarding a children’s product which was contaminated with asbestos. The toxic children’s science kit was sold under the brand name: Playmonster and was called My Living Worm World. It was made in China and had been sold online throughout France via Vinted. According to the EU website: “The product contains asbestos fibres. Asbestos could cause cancer.” (The same product was recalled in the UK in February 2026 [see: Product Recall: My Living World Worm Kit (2602-0036)]).

See: Safety Gate: the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products Alert number: SR/00980/26.

Mesothelioma Data: Update

Apr 13, 2026

To counter the epidemiological invisibility of the asbestos-related cancer malignant mesothelioma (MM) in Brazil, on April 1, 2026 Congressman Vicente Alves de Oliveira Junior, commonly known as Vicentinho, presented Bill 6265/25 to the Chamber of Deputies which would require laboratories to report confirmed cases of MM to the Ministry of Health. According to Vicentinho, more than 90% of patients die in under a year after being diagnosed with MM and many cases go undiagnosed. See: Projeto obriga laboratórios a notificarem casos de câncer associado à exposição ao amianto [Draft bill requires laboratories to report cancer cases linked to asbestos exposure].

Toxic Toys on Deputies’ Agenda

Apr 13, 2026

On March 31, 2026, a written answer was published by the Luxembourg Minister for the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism and the Minister for Consumer Protection in response to parliamentary question No. 3706 of February 27, 2026 submitted by Deputy Claire Delcourt regarding the sale of asbestos-contaminated play sand in Luxembourg and current controls on imported play sand products. The Luxembourg MP asked: "Does the government see a need for action at European level to tighten controls on imported play sand products?” This exchange was reported in a headline article in The Luxembourg Times the next day.

See: Luxembourg Parliamentary Question and Answer about sale of toxic play sand.

Asbestos at Windfarms

Apr 13, 2026

Early last month, it was reported that asbestos had been found in brake pads in turbines used on the Storhöjden wind farm in Kramfors, Sweden. On March 30, 2026 it was disclosed in documents released by the Swedish Work Environment Authority that the same contaminated products had been found in dozens of turbines at other sites: Vitberget, Ljungbyholm and Tomasliden; the owners of these facilities include multiple foreign investors. Asbestos was banned in Sweden in 1982 due to severe health risks. See: Affärsvärlden: Asbestos issues detected at multiple Swedish wind farms.

UMIST Liable for Asbestos Cancer

Apr 13, 2026

Lawyers representing a former employee of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), who contracted the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, reached a £400,000 (US$528,000) out of court settlement for their client. According to the plaintiff, he was not given any training or protection from asbestos exposures that occurred at UMIST’s Barnes Wallis Building: “No-one ever told us of the potential dangers involved…Leaks and falls resulting in [asbestos] debris were simply an accepted fact of life… Asbestos debris would just be left there, and we were expected to deal with it.” See: Asbestos-exposed uni worker gets £400k settlement.

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 10, 2026

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].