News Archive

On July 29, 2026, the Osaka District Court issued an important ruling in a class action brought by former construction workers against manufacturers of asbestos building products. The Court ordered 8 defendants to pay compensation to 61 plaintiffs, including 27 former construction workers and their families, of over 450 million yen (US$2.9m). See: 建材メーカー８社に４．５億円賠償命じる　建設アスベスト訴訟―大阪地裁 [Osaka District Court Orders 8 Building Material Manufacturers to Pay ¥450 Million in Damages in Construction Asbestos Lawsuit].

More Carrot Less Stick

Aug 7, 2026

To protect public health, improve the population’s quality of health and preserve the environment, Councilwoman Fabi Virgílio from Araraquara City, São Paulo State proposed that a free municipal scheme be implemented for the collection, transportation and disposal of construction waste, including asbestos debris, generated by small-scale operators. According to the councilwoman, the initiative would reduce illegal dumping on public roads, vacant lots, and environmental preservation areas. See: Indicação propõe sistema municipal para coleta e descarte de resíduos de obras e amianto [The proposal suggests a municipal system for the collection and disposal of construction waste and asbestos].

Occupational Asbestos Diseases: New Data

Aug 7, 2026

President Fabrizio D'Ascenzo, of Italy’s National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), last week told a Parliamentary Commission of Enquiry that asbestos exposures continued to endanger workers’ health throughout the country: “asbestos still requires constant and multidisciplinary commitment from all the institutions involved.” There were, he told Parliamentarians, an average of 1,160 cases per year between 2020 and 2024, 41% of which led to tumors, many of which proved fatal. See: L’Inail rilancia l’allarme amianto: ogni anno 1.160 nuovi casi, il 41% sono mortali [INAIL raises the asbestos alarm: 1,160 new cases every year, 41% of which are fatal].

Asbestos Fine for Broker

Aug 7. 2026

Montreal real estate broker Robert Stephen Lefebvre was fined the pathetic sum of $8,000 (US$5,700) for concealing from clients the knowledge that asbestos was present in four apartments he sold in 2021 and 2022. Having admitted the offense, his real estate license was suspended for 60 days. Under industry guidelines, brokers have a duty to disclose to their clients that a building was constructed with asbestos-containing materials as this could have health implications and also affect future sales. See: Asbestos at Habitat 67: a broker fined $8000.

Post-earthquake Hazard!

Aug 7, 2026

The earthquake which hit Japan on July 28, 2026, disrupted the covering of sprayed asbestos fireproofing on steel columns on the 9th floor of the 1980s Kumamoto City Hall. As a temporary measure, sheets were installed to cover up the toxic fireproofing. Most of the people who worked in the eight departments affected were relocated to other rooms to continue their work. See: 熊本市役所の庁舎で一時アスベスト露出　部署を移動して業務継続【令和8年熊本地震】 [Asbestos exposure temporarily occurred at Kumamoto City Hall; operations continued after department relocation [2026 Kumamoto Earthquake]].

New EU Asbestos Guide

Aug 7, 2026

Earlier this summer, the Senior Labour Inspectors Committee (SLIC) – “an official advisory body and formal committee of the European Commission” – published a 55-page non-binding document to assist EU Labour Inspectors carry out better asbestos inspections by providing “practical information and guidance to support inspections focused on preventing workers’ exposure to asbestos in the workplace.” Given that the EU outlawed asbestos use in 2005, current problems are a result of legacy asbestos use in buildings, industrial facilities, ships, aircraft and vehicles, as well as naturally occurring asbestos. See: New SLIC guide on asbestos for labour inspectors published.

J&J Multibillion Dollar Settlement?

Aug 4, 2026

The news was announced last week that the US pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson (J&J) was on track to settle 76,000 lawsuits brought by women suffering from ovarian cancer. The bill for the settlement was estimated at $5.5 billion. The US plaintiffs believed that their cancers were caused by the use of J&J asbestos contaminated talc-based baby powder. Other US cases against J&J which were brought by mesothelioma claimants or their surviving family members were settled previously. See: Johnson & Johnson to pay $5.5bn settlement in talc cancer lawsuit.

Asbestos in the Capital

Aug 4, 2026

In days gone by, Australia was one of world’s biggest asbestos users and producers with mines in New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia. Although asbestos use was banned in 2003, contamination remains problematic in both the built and natural environments. Last month a government building in Canberra was closed because of the discovery of asbestos-containing material in “non-occupied areas of the building.” Work to remove, clean and remediate the building will be carried out by specialist contractors commissioned by the landlords – Infrastructure Canberra, a government agency. See: Government building to stay shut after more asbestos found.

Landmark Milan Ruling!

Aug 4, 2026

A July 2026 verdict by Judge Marianna Galioto in the Milan Court of Appeal set a 90-day deadline for the shutdown of operations at steelworks in Taranto, southern Italy operated by the company Ilva SpA until “all the asbestos still present in the plant has been completely removed.” The ruling, which overturned a decision by a lower court, highlighted the continuing risk to public health posed by the continuing deterioration of the aging facilities. See: Milan Court of Appeal orders shutdown of hot area of former Ilva within 90 days unless environmental issues are resolved.

Protecting Public Health

Aug 4, 2026

In July 27th articles, it was announced that after recent asbestos discoveries at an active Royal Canadian Air force base in Nova Scotia – 14 Wing Greenwood – and a decommissioned US naval base in Newfoundland and Labrador – Argentia – measures had been implemented to protect the public from toxic exposures. At 14 Wing Greenwood, the Gardens Arena was closed with immediate effect. At the Argentia Naval Base asbestos will be removed from 8 cabins, 7 support buildings and an underground waterline. The site “will become a publicly-accessible green space.” See: Greenwood base closes arena due to discovery of asbestos in building and Plans in Place to Demolish Remaining Infrastructure at Former Argentia Naval Base.

What Does Progress Look Like?

Aug 4, 2026

Reflecting on changes in the content and profile of asbestos discussions in the US, Sean Fitgerald, a certified professional geologist specializing in asbestos environmental studies, wrote: “Today, discussions about testing standards, consumer safety, and scientific evidence are reaching the highest levels of government. That alone represents meaningful change.” Fitzgerald’s conclusions resonated with others in the asbestos professional community outside the US judging by feedback on LinkedIn. This commentary is highly recommended. See: Asbestos Still Kills About 200,000 People a Year. Why Are We Still Arguing About the Science?

Asbestos Find Shuts Building Site

Aug 4, 2026

On July 27, 2026, demolition work was brought to an immediate halt by the district government and the labor inspection department when asbestos-containing sheets were discovered at a demolition site in Nicosia, Cyprus. Following complaints from local people, officials determined that the contractors working at the building were not in compliance with the provisions of the demolition permit. No further work can be undertaken at the site until a plan is drafted to address the contamination as per government guidelines. See: Building demolition ceased after hitting asbestos.

Crucial Research Findings

Jul 29, 2026

Research was conducted in New Zealand by a team led by Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry into the liberation of asbestos fibers by play-sand products during simulated children’s play. This was the first such research of its kind anywhere in the world. The findings of the New Zealand analysts were confirmed by their counterparts at a US lab: “90% of tested craft sands released asbestos fibres into the air during play activities. Some fibres met the criteria for respirability…This demonstrates that the potential risk from asbestos in the product can create a real risk from fibres in the air…” See: Determination of Asbestos Fibre Release Potential from Contaminated Craft Sand and Sand-Based Toys.

Temporary Fix for Asbestos Problem

Jul 29, 2026

On July 23, 2026, a spokesperson for the Hungarian Government announced a U-turn on plans to remediate asbestos-contaminated road surfaces in Western Hungary. Contrary to previous statements, the solution will not be a permanent one involving the removal of toxic road surfaces by specialist companies but a temporary fix which will see contractors pave over toxic roads. To access any of the 3 billion forints (€8.3 million / US $9.4m) allocated by the central government, eligible municipalities will have to comply with strict conditions. This reversal of official policy was criticized by Greenpeace and environmental campaigners. See: Asbestos Scandal: Government Chooses Asphalt Sealing over Removal.

Another Asbestos Recall!

Jul 29, 2026

One could have been forgiven for thinking that staff at the EU Safety Gate system had all gone on summer holidays after three weeks with no asbestos recalls. This came to an end on July 24, 2026, with EU Alert number: SR/02108/26 for Feel Better Buddy Voodoo Magic, a range of sand-filled figurine stretchy toys available in yellow, green, red and blue. The warning for this product was: “The toy could rupture and the filling of the inside could come out. The sand inside contains asbestos. Asbestos could cause cancer.” The toys were made in China. See: Alert number: SR/02108/26 Feel Better Buddy Voodoo Magic.

Acceptance of Global Asbestos Consensus

Jul 29, 2026

For years, Russian asbestos vested interests fought vociferously against the global consensus which held that the use of asbestos, an acknowledged carcinogen, could be harmful to human health. The Russian language article cited below seemed to accept this as a given – “asbestos was associated with the development of lung cancer, mesothelioma and other serious diseases… – in its discussion of emerging threats such as microplastics. See: Что станет новым асбестом XXI века? Учёные проверяют главные страхи человечества — от микропластика до соцсетей [What will become the new asbestos of the 21st century? Scientists are investigating humanity's greatest fears – from microplastics to social media].

Asbestos at Healthcare Centers

Jul 29, 2026

The July 25th article cited below revealed widespread asbestos contamination of multiple buildings which make up the public healthcare authority (ASL TO4) in Turin. According to Professor Liborio La Mattina, the author of the article, asbestos was present in roofs, floors, pipes, chimneys and mastics in hospitals, clinics, offices and psychiatric facilities. Although ASL TO4 officials implemented asbestos management plans there is, as yet, no asbestos eradication program. See: Nell'Asl To4 l'amianto è ovunque anche nelle nuove case di comunità. All'Ospedale di Ivrea si salvi chi può … [In the ASL TO4 health district, asbestos is everywhere – even in the new community health centers. At Ivrea Hospital, it’s a case of "every man for himself."].

Portsmouth, Asbestos Hotspot

Jul 29, 2026

A deadly legacy created decades ago by operations at Hampshire’s shipyards, factories, power plants and construction sites has resulted in an elevated incidence of asbestos-related male mortality according to data released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The new statistics categorized Portsmouth as an asbestos hotspot, as it had the fourth highest rate of male mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain between 1981 and 2024; another Hampshire town, Gosport, was ranked tenth. See: Hampshire city among south England's asbestos ‘death hotspots’ with lawyers campaigning for change.

Victim’s Verdict in Turin

Jul 27, 2026

Last week, Turin Judge Domenica Maria Tiziana Latella ordered Italy’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) to pay ~€200,000 (US$227,700) in compensation to the family of a naval mechanic and engineer who died of pleural mesothelioma in 2011. The deceased had been exposed to asbestos between 1971 and 1973 during his military service, some of which was spent on the naval school’s sailing ship, the Amerigo Vespucci. See: Ministero condannato per la morte di un marinaio dell'Amerigo Vespucci: personale non protetto dall'amianto [Ministry condemned for the death of a sailor from the Amerigo Vespucci: staff not protected from asbestos].

Asbestos Alert!

Jul 27, 2026

Following the news that asbestos-containing aggregates from Austria had been used to cover road surfaces in Western Hungary, warnings were issued about the health hazard posed by asbestos-cement roofing. The July 24th article cited below, which explained why asbestos exposures can be hazardous, recounted the pathways via which asbestos fibers can lead to various types of diseases and cancer. See: Veszélyes lehet a régi palatetod – Ezért káros az azbeszt az egészségre [Your old asbestos-cement roof can be dangerous – This is why asbestos is harmful to your health].

Medical Monitoring in Chungnam Province

Jul 27, 2026

From July 23 till July 30, 2026, medical staff from the Asbestos Environmental Health Center of Cheonan Hospital, affiliated with Soonchunhyang University, will conduct an asbestos health impact survey targeting residents of villages near the former asbestos mine in Jecheon, Chungbuk. The aim of the medical check-ups is to provide early diagnoses of symptoms of asbestos-related diseases so prompt treatment can be provided. See: 순천향대천안병원, 제천 폐석면광산 주민 건강 살핀다 [Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital checks on the health of residents at [near] the Jecheon abandoned asbestos mine].

Lung Cancer Screening in LA

Jul 27, 2026

A new program aimed at achieving early diagnoses of lung cancer in Los Angeles firefighters is expanding after the successful conclusion of a pilot project which monitored 250 firefighters. The reason for the program, which is being run by the Los Angeles Fire Department, is the long-term occupational exposures of this cohort of emergency workers to multiple environmental hazards including: asbestos, smoke, diesel exhaust and other toxins. See: New lung cancer screening program expands for LAFD firefighters.

Asbestos Prosecutions in NSW

Jul 27, 2026

Following a thorough investigation by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) of Australia, the company ANT Civil Pty Ltd. and its director Andrew Hughes were fined $335,000+ (US$234,000+) for illegally dumping 2,830 tonnes of asbestos debris on two properties in the rural town of Thirlmere, NSW in 2020. Three more pollution prosecutions against Mr Hughes are pending at the NSW Land and Environment Court. See: Asbestos dumpers fined more than $335,000 after contaminating Thirlmere property.

Asbestos in Schools

Jul 27, 2026

Three years after asbestos contamination was found in playing fields of the Redbridge and Bank View Schools in Fazakerley, Liverpool, decontamination work finally began last week. Hundreds of children from ages 5-19 attend these two special schools. The budget allocated by the city council for the remediation is ~£4 million (US$5.43m). The work, which will be carried out by specialist teams, includes: “the removal of topsoil across all soft landscaped areas of the entire school site and the replacement of this with clean, imported topsoil.” See: £4m scheme to clear asbestos from city school grounds.

Warning about Toxic Toys!

Jul 24, 2026

On July 20, 2026, the Office of Product and Safety Standards (OPSS) of the UK Government issued a warning to businesses regarding their responsibility to ensure that toys they sold were safe. They should not, the OPSS said, “rely on final product testing alone to assure the absence of asbestos in toys.” “Parents should,” said OPSS Chief Executive Graham Russell “be able to trust that the toys they buy for their children are safe. We know the recent recalls have caused concern, and that’s why we’re reminding businesses of their responsibility to understand and manage the risks in their supply chains.” See: Stronger asbestos controls needed to keep kids safe.