News Archive

A new service to support mesothelioma patients in Northern Ireland (NI) – the Northern Ireland Regional Mesothelioma Service – will improve access to specialist support. This collaborative initiative is a result of a partnership between Mesothelioma UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, local clinicians, and the family of Tony Rodgers who died from mesothelioma in Newry, Co Down on January 1, 2022. The care will be provided across NI by nurses Stephanie Todd and Carol Johnston based at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. See: New cancer service launches to support mesothelioma patients in Northern Ireland.

New Mesothelioma Data

Nov 13, 2025

A paper uploaded to the website of the International Journal of Epidemiology a fortnight ago which analyzed mesothelioma mortality data from 1998-2022, reported that over that period 5,472 people had died from mesothelioma. Among the deceased, the majority (67%) were males; age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) rose from 2.53 per million in 1998 to 3.46 per million in 2022; and higher ASMR rates were found in the northern states and in central Mexico. Given the data, the researchers recommended a complete asbestos ban be implemented in Mexico. See: Geographic analysis and trends in mortality from mesothelioma in Mexico 1998–2022.

Asbestos Conviction in the Capital

Nov 13, 2025

A court in Canberra, Australia found that a company owned by Benjamin Hannaford had neglected to implement “available and feasible” precautionary measures when removing asbestos roofing from a garden shed and transporting and storing it. Magistrate Ian Temby imposed an $8,000 fine, a two-year Good Behaviour Order, and 100 hours of community service to be carried out within 2 years. Commenting on this case, WorkSafe ACT Commissioner Jacqueline Agius said: “This incident is yet another troubling example of a trader taking dangerous shortcuts in a high-risk situation, showing a blatant disregard for legal obligations and the safety of people in our community.” See: Tradie fined for exposing workers, public to ‘notorious’ asbestos risks.

Uplift in Victims’ Support

Nov 13, 2025

Earlier this month, Switzerland’s Federal Council voted to adopt an amendment to the Accident Insurance Act that will come into force on 1 January 2026 and will allow the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA) to support the Asbestos Victims Fund (EFA) “from surplus income from occupational accident and disease insurance.” Pursuant to the amendment, SUVA will contribute surplus income to the EFA. The details of the final arrangements will be decided by the SUVA Board. See: CF: da 2026 Suva potrà finanziare Fondo per le vittime amianto [CF: From 2026, Suva will be able to finance the Asbestos Victims’ Fund].

Asbestos Exposé

Nov 13, 2025

A recent analysis of material found in a public park in the Cheonggyecheon area of Seoul, Korea identified several pieces of roofing fragments containing asbestos, a substance banned by the government in 2009. South Korea has an ambitious regime for the removal of asbestos-containing products from the built environment and prioritized eradication work at schools and educational institutions. See: 단독 청계천 곳곳서 석면 슬레이트 조각 발견...서울시 조사 [Asbestos slate fragments discovered throughout Cheonggyecheon...Seoul City investigates].

Asbestos in Schools

Nov 13, 2025

Trade unions representing teachers called on the Government to prioritize the removal of asbestos-containing products from schools as they have the remediation of structures containing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). According to Wayne Bates, from the Teachers’ Union NASUWT, asbestos in schools was a “ticking time bomb” and children and teachers were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. Whereas, the emergency posed by the presence of RAAC in schools was dealt with quickly, asbestos contamination is allowed to fester. See: Government must follow RAAC action by tackling asbestos in schools, unions say.

Asbestos Outreach Project

Nov 10, 2025

An asbestos workshop was held by the Local Initiative for Occupational Safety in Bandung, West Java on October 23, 2025. Speakers at the meeting highlighted the pro-asbestos climate that existed in Indonesia, such as the lack of any taxes on asbestos imports, which encouraged consumers to continue using this acknowledged carcinogen. See: ANOMALI KARSINOGENIK: Mengapa Biaya Impor Asbes Krisotil Nol Persen, Penyebab Kanker Namun Tanpa Label Maut? [CARCINOGENIC ANOMALY: Why is Chrysotile Asbestos, a Cause of Cancer, Imported at Zero Percent and Without a Hazard Warning Label?].

More Calls for Asbestos Ban

Nov 10, 2025

A paper written by researchers from China, Germany and the Czech Republic uploaded to the website of the Environmental Health Journal on October 30, 2025 was categorical about the urgent need for asbestos prohibitions: “We found,” the authors concluded “that a complete ban on asbestos with a lag time of 25 years could effectively reduce lung cancer incidence along with asbestos-related deaths and DALYs [disability-adjusted life-years]. These findings underscore the urgent need for a complete ban on asbestos (especially chrysotile).” See: Global burden of lung cancer attributable to occupational asbestos exposure: 1990 to 2021.

Two Cancers, Two Outcomes.

Nov 10, 2025

The article cited below by specialist solicitor Daniel Easton, of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, highlighted the legal anomaly which existed between two categories of dying asbestos cancer victims. Whilst people who contract the signature asbestos cancer mesothelioma are able to pursue legal claims and/or claim government lump sum payments/benefits, those who contract asbestos-related lung cancer are not. “The same support is needed, and needed quickly,” wrote Easton, “for sufferers of asbestos-related lung cancer” as is accessible for mesothelioma claimants. See: It is time to end the lottery of asbestos compensation.

Victim’s Victory!

Nov 10, 2025

At the end of last month, the Court of Nola, in Naples, Italy awarded over €1 million (US$1.2m) to the family of an electrician whose 2017 death from pleural mesothelioma had been caused by workplace asbestos exposures. The deceased’s employers Nuova Sacelit srl and Italcementi spa were ordered to pay the compensation as they had failed to implement measures to minimize toxic exposures at the Sacelit plant in Volla, just outside Naples. See: Morte da amianto, il Tribunale di Nola condanna due aziende: oltre un milione di euro ai familiari di un elettricista morto per mesothelioma [Asbestos-related death: Nola Court sentences two companies; over €1 million awarded to the family of an electrician who died of mesothelioma].

Consumer Outreach: Toxic Roofing

Nov 10, 2025

The article cited below contained a timely warning to consumers in Indonesia of the hazards posed by buying asbestos-cement roofing, a popular choice for domestic properties. The author of the text explained how the invisible fibers in asbestos once liberated can cause chronic respiratory problems, cancer and asbestosis. Because of the human health hazard posed by exposure to asbestos in workplaces and buildings, many countries have banned its use although it remains legal in Indonesia. See: Asbestosis hingga Kanker Paru-paru, 6 Bahaya Asbes untuk Atap Rumah yang Harus Anda Ketahui dan Waspadai [Asbestosis to Lung Cancer, 6 Asbestos Hazards for Home Roofs You Should Know and be Aware of].

Mexican Asbestos Documentary

Nov 10, 2025

A new documentary from Mexico was premiered in São Paulo by the Brazilian Association of the Asbestos-Exposed (ABREA) at 10 a.m. on November 8, 2025 at the headquarters of the Osasco Trade Union. The film tells the story of people who worked for the asbestos-cement building products’ company Asbestos of Mexico in San Pedro Barrientos. Although operations ceased 35 years ago, former workers and local people are continuing to die from occupational and environmental asbestos exposures. The film was shown with Portuguese subtitles. See: Tepemaxalco: Colina que embala com o vento. (Documentário, 2025) | Trailer Oficial | ABREA [Tepemaxalco: A Hill That Rocks with the Wind. (Documentary, 2025) | Official Trailer | ABREA].

Asbestos Phase-Out in Schools

Nov 6, 2025

On October 30, 2025 India’s National Green Tribunal (NGT) – a “specialized judicial body… to handle and expedite legal cases related to environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources – ordered that measures be implemented to reduce health risks and prepare for a gradual transition to asbestos-free materials in schools. The Court acknowledged the medical evidence which showed that exposures to asbestos caused cancer and stated that the use of asbestos in schools was grounds for “health and environmental concerns.” See: NGT stops short of banning asbestos roofs in schools; orders strict safety norms, gradual phase-out.

Asbestos Waste Removal in Sichuan

Nov 6, 2025

The area around abandoned asbestos mines in Sichuan, China has been rehabilitated, as part of an environmental project to widen the ecological corridor for Giant Pandas. The expansion of the Giant Panda National Park was possible after the rehabilitation of 245.22 hectares of contaminated land on which 41.958 million cubic meters of asbestos tailings were deposited. This toxic waste was created by operations at asbestos mines over several decades. See: 四川雅安废弃矿区的“新生”：智慧修复构筑生态走廊 [The “Rebirth” of Abandoned Mining Areas in Ya'an, Sichuan: Smart Restoration Builds an Ecological Corridor].

Asbestos Eradication Program

Nov 6, 2025

According to the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), the national program to remove asbestos roofing from public and private buildings has entered its final stage. The eradication work began in 2009 and, to date, has reduced the amount of asbestos roofing in place from 1.69 million square meters to 51,000 square meters. RHA spokesman Yusuf Sindiheba told journalists last week that: “By February 2026, we expect to have removed all remaining asbestos materials from government and public buildings.” See: Effort to eradicate asbestos roofing nears completion.

Concerns over White House Reconstruction

Nov 6, 2025

The article cited below described ongoing efforts by Democratic senators and public health advocates to clarify health and safety protocols put in place by the White House and its contractors to safeguard workers and members of the public from deadly exposures to asbestos, a substance which is believed to have been used in the construction of the East Wing. In a letter signed by three high-ranking US senators, the President was asked for information about the demolition work plan, the identity of the donors funding the project and details of the asbestos and lead paint abatement plans. See: Senators, advocates demand explanation on asbestos risks from East Wing.

Call for Action by APEC

Nov 6, 2025

On October 31, 2025, members of a coalition of civil society groups held a press conference – entitled A Wish for APEC – outside the building where international leaders and advisors were taking part in meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Gyeongju, South Korea. The campaigners demanded an end to the dumping of Fukushima nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, a solution to the climate crisis, and an end to the use of asbestos throughout the Asia-Pacific region. See: [20251031] APEC에 바란다 - 경주 캠페인 현장사진 [[20251031] A Wish for APEC - Gyeongju Campaign Site Report].

Moby Drea: Update

Nov 6, 2025

The asbestos-laden Italian ferry, the Moby Drea, which was deported from Croatia will now be allowed to stay in Taranto, Italy while asbestos removal work is carried out by the specialized company Ecologica. It is believed that 100 tonnes of asbestos are contained in the wall partitions in the ship’s cabins. The vessel is now owned by the Italian company: Med Fuel Bunkering which obtained authorization from the Port System Authority of the Ionian Sea for the remediation work to be carried out. See: Dopo oltre un mese sbloccata situazione nave Drea a Taranto: concessa banchina per bonifica dall'amianto a bordo [After more than a month, the situation of the Drea ship in Taranto has been unblocked: a quay has been allocated for removal of the asbestos on board].

Stalemate at Court!

Nov 3, 2025

The October 28, 2025 blog by Fernanda Giannasi cited below reported the latest disappointing development at Brazil’s Supreme Court (STF) which has, yet again, postponed the decision on a case regarding the unconstitutionality of a State law contravening the 2017 national asbestos ban ordered by the Court. On October 27, 2025 STF Justice André Mendonça declined to cast his ballot in the legal action and claimed that an additional review of the facts was needed. Five votes have already upheld the illegality of the Goiás State exemption which allowed asbestos mining to continue despite the STF ban. See: Amianto: André Mendonça pede vistas e atrasa processo pelo banimento, por Fernanda Giannasi [Asbestos: André Mendonça requests review and delays ban process, by Fernanda Giannasi].

Asbestos Pipes in Sardinia

Nov 3, 2025

Local Sardinian politician Giampaolo Lilliu has denounced the continued use of 9,000 kilometers of asbestos-cement pipes in the territory of Oristano. He demanded that the Sicilian authorities undertake an updated audit of the number and condition of contaminated pipes used for water delivery and analyze the quality of water supplied to islanders. See: “In Sardegna novemila chilometri di condotte in amianto”: gli ex esposti Areas rilanciano l’allarme [“Nine thousand kilometers of asbestos pipes in Sardinia”: former Areas exposed raise the alarm].

Asbestos in the White House?

Nov 3, 2025

In the aftermath of the sudden demolition of the East Wing of the White House, news began circulating about the presence of asbestos in the demolished structure. The work had been ordered by President Donald Trump to clear the way for the construction of a massive new ballroom. Multiple critics have expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding the planning for and permissions obtained for the President’s “vanity project.” Given the age of the East Wing, it is likely that asbestos was used in its construction. See: Trump’s crew may be spreading asbestos with unpermitted White House teardown: expert.

Uproar in Cleckheaton!

Nov 3, 2025

Residents from the Yorkshire town of Cleckheaton have grown increasingly frustrated by Kirklees Council’s failure to engage in a discussion about the environmental contamination caused by development work. Protestors have complained of asbestos, arsenic, lead and cyanide contamination which “has already resulted in negative health impacts.” According to an October 15 statement by Cleckheaton Against Harmful Development: “Despite repeated complaints, there has been no official testing inside homes, no professional cleaning, and no health screening or medical support for affected families.” See: Pressure grows on Labour council ‘silencing and abandoning’ residents facing toxic asbestos danger.

Victim’s Verdict!

Nov 3, 2025

In a stunning judicial ruling, the Second Panel of the Regional Labor Court of the 6th Region (TRT-6) in Brazil reversed a lower court verdict and awarded a family compensation for the asbestos-related death of a construction worker, 45 years after he had been occupationally exposed to asbestos. The Court concluded that there was sufficient evidence about the deceased’s exposure to asbestos and that this exposure had compromised this worker's pulmonary system and caused his death. See: Segunda Turma do TRT-6 concede indenização por danos morais à família de trabalhador vítima de exposição ao amianto [Second Panel of the TRT-6 awards compensation for moral damages to the family of a worker who was a victim of asbestos exposure].

Mesothelioma Incidence in Casale Monferrato

Nov 3, 2025

The paper cited below was published earlier this month in the Journal of Environmental Health by a team of researchers from Italy and Columbia. Data sourced from the Piedmont Malignant Mesothelioma Registry was used to analyze mesothelioma trends in Casale Monferrato, the epicenter of Italy’s mesothelioma epidemic. The scientists concluded that mesothelioma deaths will continue to occur in this location for at least 20+ years even though asbestos use was banned in Italy in 1992. See: The evolution of an epidemic: age-period-cohort modelling of mesothelioma in Casale Monferrato, 1990–2021, with projections to 2042.

Asbestos in Schools

Oct 30, 2025

Funding from international donors facilitated the removal of deteriorating asbestos roofing from the Don Bosco technical school and staff housing in Makuya, Kenya. The premises were used regularly by 1,000 local people, not only for educational purposes but also for community and religious activities When asked about the improvements, one school user said that the [eradication] “project has given us peace of mind knowing that all the students and staff are no longer exposed to hazardous asbestos.” See: KENYA: Don Bosco Makuya replaces school roof thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.