News Archive

On April 22, 2024, a federal jury in a Montana court ruled that the actions of the defendant corporation – BNSF Railways – had contributed to the lung cancers contracted by two people from the mining town of Libby who were exposed to asbestos fiber when vermiculite shipments were transported from the mine by BNSF many decades ago. The claimants died of their asbestos illnesses in 2020. The estates of the deceased were awarded $4 million in compensatory damages. See: Jury: BNSF Railway Contributed to 2 Deaths in Montana Town Where Asbestos Sickened Thousands.

Asbestos Waste at Nuclear Sites

Apr 25, 2024

According to an announcement this week, protocols for better managing asbestos waste from nuclear plants in the UK will be developed pursuant to contracts awarded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and the Nuclear Waste Services to the Asbestos Innovation Partnership. Under current practices “non-nuclear contaminated asbestos waste goes to hazardous landfill, some contaminated asbestos is allowed in very small quantities in the Low Level Waste Repository, and the bulk is designated for disposal in a future Geological Disposal Facility.” See: NDA group establishes innovative partnership to manage asbestos waste at legacy nuclear sites.

Support for Daughter’s Claim

Apr 25, 2024

On April 23, 2024, the Florence Court of Appeal awarded Annalia Volterrani – bereaved daughter of 52-year old Francesco Volterrani who died in 2000 – compensation over his asbestos death; she was 14 years old when her father died. The deceased had worked for 32 years in the Italian Navy. The Ministry of Defense – which had previously compensated Annalia’s mother and sister – was ordered to pay Annalia a monthly pension of €2,000 (US$2,140) including the sum of €360,000 (US$385,000) in arrears. See: Perse il padre per l’amianto, Ministero della Difesa condannato: alla figlia vitalizio e arretrati [Lost her father to asbestos, Ministry of Defense [ordered to pay] daughter's annuity and arrears].

Expanding Firefighters’ Protections

Apr 25, 2024

Following recommendations made in 2023 by an independent review panel, the Australian State of Queensland announced plans to change its workers’ compensation scheme to expand protections for firefighters. Among the ten new diseases added to the list of illnesses presumed to be related to firefighting which have been linked to asbestos exposures are: asbestos related disease (15 years exposure); malignant mesothelioma (15 years); lung cancer (15 years); and ovarian cancer (10 years). Workers diagnosed with a listed cancer but who have served below the threshold are required to show the illness is work-related. See: Miles Government continues to improve workers’ compensation scheme.

International Asbestos Day

Apr 25, 2024

Desperate to regain control of the international asbestos debate, in 2008 asbestos vested interests designated April 16 as International Chrysotile (White) Asbestos Day. Activities this year included a couple of events in Russia’s asbestos heartland in defence of “mountain flax” – which is under constant bombardment so the asbestos lobby says from greedy Western financial interests including health & safety campaigners. Calling chrysotile products, “the people’s products,” the author said that between them Russia’s two chrysotile mines have enough asbestos ore to last for 100 years. See: В России отмечают международный День Хризотила [International Chrysotile Day is celebrated in Russia].

Upcoming Grassroots Protests

Apr 23, 2024

On April 22 & 23, 2024, rallies organized by a dozen asbestos victims’ support groups are being held in the Italian cities of Monfalcone and Trieste to demonstrate the strength of public outrage at a change in national legislation which will benefit companies like Fincantieri shipbuilding – a defendant in many asbestos cases – and not asbestos victims. The protestors are demanding that the €20 million (US$21.3m) of public money intended for Fincantieri be reallocated for medical research and treatment of mesothelioma. See: Mobilitazione vittime amianto [Mobilization of asbestos victims].

Victim’s Victory in Toxic Talc Case

Apr 23, 2024

On April 19, 2024, a jury in Chicago, Illinois ordered Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Kenvue – the former consumer healthcare division of J&J – to pay compensation of $45 million to the family of mesothelioma sufferer Theresa Garcia who died in July 2020. The claimants allege that Mrs Garcia had contracted mesothelioma after having used asbestos-contaminated talc-based baby powder produced by J&J. Commenting on the verdict, J&J spokesperson Erik Haas said that the company would appeal the decision immediately. See: Court Orders Johnson & Johnson And Kenvue To Pay $45 Million In Talcum Baby Powder Lawsuit.

Asbestos Fallout from Russian War

Apr 23, 2024

Asbestos fibers were identified in each of the ten samples of building debris – including roofing materials, underground building materials and pipes from apartment buildings and schools in 4 locations in Kyiv and Kharkiv – analyzed by a Tokyo-based laboratory. Commenting on these findings, Professor Ken Takahashi said: “The results of this analysis serve as a basis for warning local workers and residents about asbestos and taking countermeasures. We also need to get international organizations and other organizations to recognize that the cost of countermeasures is necessary.” See: ウクライナの被害建物からアスベストを検出日本企業が分析 [Japanese company analyzes asbestos detected in damaged buildings in Ukraine].

Lombardy’s Asbestos Tragedy

Apr 23, 2024

In the run-up to International Workers Day (April 28), CGIL Brescia – the local affiliate of the Italian General Confederation of Labour – organized a conference entitled: “A future without asbestos.” Data presented by speakers at this event disclosed the names of regional and provincial asbestos hotspots. One of the highest incidences of asbestos-related diseases in Italy is found in the Lombardy region, with its capital, Milan, very badly affected. See: Allarme amianto a Milano: aumentano gli ammalati e i decessi. Le province lombarde più colpite [Asbestos alarm in Milan: the number of sick people and deaths is increasing. The most affected provinces of Lombardy].

BNSF Railroad Denies Liability

Apr 23, 2024

On Friday, April 19, 2024, the legal team for BNSF Railways told a Montana federal civil court that the company was not liable for the lung cancer deaths of two Libby residents as it hadn’t known that the vermiculite transported by the railways was contaminated with asbestos fibers. According to lawyer Chad Knight “In the 50s, 60s and 70s no one in the public suspected there might be health concerns.” This is the first of many lawsuits to be heard in a federal civil court over the railroad’s culpability for the disaster which befell the former mining town. See: BNSF Railway says it didn't know about asbestos that's killed hundreds in Montana town.

Westminster Palace: Update

Apr 23, 2024

An article in the Sunday issue of France’s Le Monde newspaper which was published on April 21, 2024 detailed the “deplorable state” of the Palace of Westminster, highlighting “walls full of asbestos,” miles of antiquated electrical wiring, leaking pipes and rat infestations. “We are,” said former clerk of the House of Commons Lord Lisvane “never far from a catastrophic breakdown of our services, a fire or a structural collapse…” See: Amiante, rats, fuites d'eau: le Palais de Westminster menace de s'effondrer [Asbestos, rats, water leaks: the Palace of Westminster threatens to collapse].

Calls for Government Action on Ban

Apr 18, 2024

At an April 15, 2024 press conference organized by the Bangladesh Ban Asbestos Network (B-BAN) and Bangladesh Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Foundation (OSHE), held in the capital of Bangladesh, health and safety campaigners and technical experts urged the government to ban asbestos to “protect human health and the environment, as asbestos is a known carcinogen.” In his comments to the meeting, Aminur Rashid Chowdhury Repon, Executive Director of the OSHE Foundation, announced that chrysotile (white) asbestos fibers had been identified during recent laboratory analyses of cement sheeting and automotive brake shoes. See: Experts for banning asbestos in Bangladesh.

Mesothelioma Treatment Update

Apr 18, 2024

Under new provisions, which came into effect on April 1, 2024, some patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma can receive medical treatment using a new dual immunotherapy cocktail that has been shown to prolong life for many patients. As the care will be provided by the National Health Insurance, patients will not have to face costly medical bills. See: 石棉致癌潛伏期達40年惡性肋膜間皮瘤癌現生機 4/1起雙免疫治療納入一線給付 [Asbestos carcinogenesis has a latentcy period of up to 40 years. The incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma cancer is increasing. Dual immunotherapy will be included in first-line benefits starting from 4/1].

Political Inertia Blocks Reform

Apr 18, 2024

It was announced on April 16, 2024 that attempts by Belgian politicians to reform legislation blocking lawsuits by claimants who had received compensation from the Belgian Asbestos Fund (the Fund) had failed. With elections looming, there was, said a spokesperson for the Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats political party, no chance of amending the legislation in the short-term. In March, the Social Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies had once again rejected a bill to allow recipients of payouts from the Fund to launch legal proceedings against a company despite receiving compensation from the Fund. See: Pas d'accord au sein de la majorité sur l'amiante [No agreement within the [Federal] majority [parties] on asbestos].

Test Case for Asbestos Victim in Hashima

Apr 18, 2024

On April 15, 2024, a family launched a legal action to claim compensation for the 2018 asbestos cancer death of a 79-year old man who had worked near an asbestos processing factory owned by the Nichias company. The claimants argue that during the deceased’s 13 years employment at a Hashima workshop, he had breathed in asbestos liberated by the Nichias Hashima Plant in Gifu Prefecture. Under Japanese law, people can obtain compensation for contracting asbestos cancer if they lived near an asbestos factory. There is no such provision for people who worked near such a facility. See: 「石綿工場の近くで勤務」、中皮腫で死亡責任裁定、遺族が申請 [“Working near an asbestos factory,” died of mesothelioma liability ruling, bereaved family applies].

Italy’s Asbestos Legacy

Apr 18, 2024

The article cited below contained a wide variety of facts and figures detailing Italy’s ongoing asbestos catastrophe. There are, according to the text, 4,400 people diagnosed every year with asbestos-related diseases and a million asbestos-contaminated sites throughout Italy which collectively contain 40 million tons of asbestos; asbestos is present in 2,400 schools, 1,000 libraries and 350 hospitals. With just 18 facilities capable of disposing of asbestos waste, calls are being made for government action to build capacity as a matter of urgency. See: Amianto, i dati epidemiologici evidenziano una situazione di allarme [Asbestos, epidemiological data show an alarming situation].

Asbestos in Schools

Apr 18, 2024

According to emails released last week by New Zealand’s Ministry of Education under the Official Information Act, two classrooms were extensively contaminated after friable asbestos in wall linings was disturbed during renovation work without prior tests having been done. Eventually, the school authorities were able to get the asbestos-containing material removed. For the last year the Ministry of Education has been considering a scheme to establish a national register of approved asbestos removal firms; no such scheme has been implemented yet. See: School classrooms contaminated with asbestos after linings taken off without testing.

Exposé at WA Nickel Mine

Apr 17, 2024

An exposé in the April 11, 2024 issue of the West Australian documented misleading information circulated by WorkSafe – the health and safety regulator in Western Australia (WA) – reassuring workers that “none of the samples [from the Mt. Keith nickel mine] exceeded the workplace [asbestos] exposure standard...” According to a certified lab, asbestos fibers were present in samples from the mine. Commenting on this news, Ms. Markey, CEO of the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia said: “We need more collaboration between workers and the regulators… There should also not be two sets of standards for contractors versus salaried employees.” See [subscription site]: ‘More needs to be done’ after asbestos detection at BHP Nickel West’s Mt Keith clashes with WorkSafe result.

Reevaluating National Position on Asbestos

Apr 17, 2024

A well-researched and comprehensive article published on April 12, 2024, reviewed Brazil’s asbestos dossier in light of asbestos prohibitions announced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month. The text of this article covered a wide range of material and sources and included a discussion of the World Health Organization’s asbestos policies, Brazilian epidemiological data on asbestos-related diseases and technological progress in creating asbestos-free substitutes. See: Vale a pena ser o terceiro maior produtor de amianto no mundo? [Is it worth being the third largest producer of asbestos in the world?].

Warning about Asbestos Hazard

Apr 17, 2024

The article cited below from a source in China, reaffirms the carcinogenic nature of chrysotile asbestos, citing evidence from the WHO and IARC. The author emphasized the variety of asbestos products, warning that: “People who are exposed to asbestos for a long time can face serious health risks. Eventually, this underlying inflammation may evolve into serious diseases such as asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma, etc., and may even lead to the development of malignant tumors such as lung cancer.” China is the world’s 2nd largest asbestos user and 4th largest producer. See: 被60多国禁用的一级“致癌物”，1Kg含百万根尖针！为何我国随处可见 [A first-class “carcinogen” banned by more than 60 countries, 1kg contains millions of sharp needles! Why can it be seen everywhere in China?].

INPS Loses Another Asbestos Case

Apr 17, 2024

The Court of Appeal of Catania, Italy issued a victim’s verdict in an asbestos case brought by petrochemical worker Francesco Castorina, who had been employed for 35 years as a maintenance worker in a plant in the Priolo-Augusta petrochemical facility. The Court ordered Italy’s National Institute for Social Security (INPS) to reevaluate the claimant’s pension contributions and pay the amount owed to him since the INPS first rejected his application for asbestos benefits. See: Lavoratore del Petrolchimico esposto all’amianto, Tribunale condanna l’Inps [Petrochemical worker exposed to asbestos, Court condemns INPS].

Asbestos Company’s Denials and Deceit

Apr 17, 2024

An article in the March 31, 2024 issue of The Sunday Times revisited the damage done to workers and members of the public by the nefarious activities of former asbestos giant Cape plc, the maker of asbestos-containing construction products such as Asbestoslux. A treasure trove of documents acquired by the Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum, which was uploaded to the internet, documented a litany of lies and deceit by which the company forestalled legislation and delayed efforts to implement measures to protect product users. The company, which was bought by the French multinational Altrad, continues to resist calls by victims for a £10 million contribution for medical research into asbestos-related diseases. See [subscription site]: No Cause for Anxiety: Asbestos firm hid cancer risk for 30 years.

Toxic Mulch Found in Melbourne

Apr 17, 2024

New laboratory tests revealed that mulch used at eight Melbourne parks, including the PA Burns Reserve and the Altona Coastal Park, contained asbestos fibers. Further testing was ongoing at some of the contaminated sites with remediation work underway at others. Duncan Pendrigh, director of regulatory services of the Environment Protection Authority, said he was “confident asbestos discovery in Victoria would not be as widespread as New South Wales, where bonded asbestos has been discovered at more than 75 sites, including parks and schools.”See: Asbestos confirmed in seven Melbourne parks after latest tests.

Asbestos Victims Sue Railroad Company

Apr 15, 2024

Texas-based BNSF Railway, a company owned by the American billionaire Warren Buffet, is being sued by multiple asbestos victims – including 61-year old asbestos victim Paul Resch and the estates of Joyce Wald and Thomas Wells – who alleged that the railway failed to prevent cancerous fibers being liberated as a result of its operations in the Montana town of Libby. To date, arguments advanced by BNSF’s legal team in defence of the company have been rejected by U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris. See: Victims of Montana asbestos pollution that killed hundreds take Warren Buffet's railroad to court.

Asbestos Anxiety Verdict

Apr 15, 2024

An industrial tribunal in Rouen ordered the DS Smith Paper company in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France to compensate 131 asbestos-exposed employees last month (March 2024). The judges agreed that, as a result of hazardous workplace exposures, the claimants suffered from “asbestos anxiety,” a fear of contracting an asbestos-related disease. Compensation payouts ranged from €1,200 (US $1,280) to €15,000 (US $15,980) per employee. See: Rouen. Affaire DS Smith: l'entreprise condamnée à indemniser 131 salariés exposés à de l'amiante [Rouen. DS Smith case: the company ordered to compensate 131 employees exposed to asbestos].