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After decades of struggle, Brazilian asbestos victims celebrated a historic September 18, 2026 ruling by the Supreme Court which upheld the national asbestos ban and mandated the closure of the country’s only remaining chrysotile (white) asbestos mine. “Our suffering is over,” said Brazilian ban asbestos campaigner Fernanda Giannasi who added that the verdict was “a victory for the fierce and resilient struggle of asbestos victims and their partners who supported their campaign.” See: Após anos de luta, STF determina fim da extração de amianto em Goiás [After years of struggle, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) rules to end asbestos mining in Goiás].

A bilateral program of asbestos mobilization took place in Seoul on September 14-16, 2026 that brought together asbestos victims from Japan and South Korea. The activities were organized by the Seoul-based NGO: the Asian Citizens’ Center for Environmental Health (Eco-Health) and included an Asbestos Victims Symposium in the National Assembly Members’ Office, a press conference at Gwanghwamun Square, a meeting of Korean and Japanese asbestos victims at the Eco-Health headquarters and an in-person and online international victims’ discussion group at the Gangnam Station Conference Center. See: 한일 석면암 피해자 국제교류 [International Exchange Between Korean and Japanese Asbestos Cancer Victims].

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Carl Fioravanti – the President of the Illinois asbestos removal company Alliance Environmental Control, Inc. – was sentenced by a federal judge to 6½+ years in federal prison for “knowingly leaving asbestos at a suburban Chicago demolition site (in 2023) after accepting full payment (~$1.8 million) for the purported remediation.” See: Press Release. President of Environmental Company Sentenced to More Than Six and a Half Years in Prison for Leaving Asbestos at Suburban Chicago Demolition Site.

An investigation by the UK TV broadcaster ITV last week examined the long-lasting industrial repercussions of operations at a British-owned asbestos-cement factory in Kymore, Madhya Pradesh, India. According to the report, ~1 million tonnes of asbestos waste generated by Turner & Newall remained behind when the company sold off its operations: “asbestos-contaminated dirt, dust and soil can still be found in playgrounds, sports fields, residential neighbourhoods and open land across the town.” There is a high incidence of asbestos-related diseases and conditions among local people because of the widespread environmental contamination. See: ITV report says asbestos waste in Kymore still endangers residents.

A September 17, 2026 media update by the University of Vermont detailed news about research to “turn cancer’s own antioxidant defenses against it, with an experimental mesothelioma drug controlling disease progression in 67% of patients in an early trial.” Scientists are using an experimental mesothelioma drug to kill cancer cells by disabling an antioxidant defense (PRX3) that tumors use to overcome intense oxidative stress. Although it is early days, 67% of the mesothelioma patients in the trial showed controlled disease progression. See: New mesothelioma drug turns cancer’s own defenses against it.

The text cited below, which was an excerpt from a new book entitled: Asbestos: killer in Goor by Andere Tijden, recapped the history of Holland’s asbestos-cement industry, detailed the wide variety of asbestos products manufactured, discussed the hazards created by toxic exposures and explained the political machinations employed to create a favorable climate in which this toxic industrial sector could flourish. In 1970, the fightback against asbestos began with MP Nel Barendregt. Steps taken by the asbestos conglomerate Eternit to forestall government action were as effective as they were ruthless. See: De lange weg naar het asbestverbod [The long road to the asbestos ban].

Greenpeace Hungary is calling for an immediate cessation of asbestos removal work on the Oladi Plateau in Szombathely, Western Hungary after receiving reports that people may be working without proper protective equipment. Other information received suggested hazardous waste was not being properly handled. Replying to these concerns, the Vas County Government Office promised an immediate inspection of the worksite. See: Újabb fordulat az azbesztügyben, az azbesztmentesítés azonnal leállítását követelik [Another Twist in the Asbestos Case, Demands Immediate Halt to Asbestos Removal].

A review of asbestos disease cases in South Korea highlighted exposures experienced by a sanitation worker. The article cited below detailed the first known case of malignant mesothelioma amongst this cohort; multiple cases of lung cancer had previously been confirmed. The 40-year-old mesothelioma patient had handled asbestos roofing material at landfill sites from 1999 to 2008 as it was not on the list of designated asbestos waste but was classified as general waste. See: 환경미화원의 석면 노출 위험성, 악성중피종 바로가기 복사하기 본문 글씨 줄이기 본문 글씨 키우기 [Asbestos Exposure Risks for Sanitation Workers: Malignant Mesothelioma].

On September 17, 2026, it was reported that the Court of Lecce had ordered Italy’s Ministry of Defense to pay compensation of €692,247 (US$795,100) to the children of a civilian employee who had died from mesothelioma as a result of workplace asbestos exposures whilst employed by the Navy. The Ministry was also ordered to pay the legal costs as well as expenses incurred for technical advice. See: Amianto, Tribunale di Lecce: definitiva la condanna della Difesa per la morte di un ex dipendente per oltre 40 anni dell’Arsenale di Taranto [Asbestos, Court of Lecce: final conviction of Defense for the death of a former employee of the Taranto Arsenal for over 40 years].

In a public statement on September 16, 2026, John Lee – the chief executive of Hong Kong since 1 July 2022 – announced that there would be major upgrades in the Hong Kong water supply network which will include the phasing out of asbestos-cement as well as cast iron pipes. The reason given was that the infrastructure needed renewing due to the age of the pipes. According to Lee, work will be concentrated “in areas such as Shau Kei Wan, Wong Tai Sin and Kwai Tsing, where there are more public rental housing estates and elderly residents. The target is to have all cast iron and asbestos cement pipes phased out over an estimated 10-year period.” See: Major water pipes upgrade set for Hong Kong.

After Michigan company Applied Partners pleaded guilty to violating asbestos work practice standards under the federal Clean Air Act whilst demolishing an abandoned automotive brake system component plant in Saginaw, it was fined $500,000 and placed on parole for two years. According to information contained in the plea agreement, the company had planned to redevelop the 65-acre site prior to reselling it. The contractors hired by Applied Partners who “used heavy machinery to break apart brick walls and to pull down at least one large component covered in asbestos-containing material from the upper floors” were not criminally charged. See: Company pays $500,000 fine for asbestos safety violations.

On September 18, 2026, the UK’s office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a product recall for Smyths Toys Wooden Cornhole Board with Bean Bags. The reason for this action was that: “The product presents a risk to health as the sand inside the bags may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.” Like many of the other asbestos toy recalls this year, the product had been made in China. See: Product Recall: Smyths Toys Wooden Cornhole Board with Bean Bags (2609-0108).

On August 31, 2026, California became the first US state to address the need for standards that ensure building safety in the aftermath of wildfires like those in Altadena and surrounding areas in 2025. In the wake of such disasters, properties can become contaminated with toxins including asbestos and lead. The new legislation “require California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control and Air Resources Board to develop regulations and guidance on what contaminants need to be addressed after a wildfire, how environmental testing should be conducted and when homes can be considered ready for re-occupancy.” See: When is it safe to return home after a wildfire?

Asbestos mines abandoned in the Limpopo Province of South Africa continue to pose a health risk to local people; recent tests by local authorities confirmed the presence of asbestos contamination in the soil and water. In April 2026, 48-year-old Mampuru Thobejane died from asbestosis; his father Chief Setlamorago Thobejane said that Mampuru “lived in agony in his last days while struggling with the impact of asbestos-related illnesses.” An Integrated Health Screening Programme for people in the former asbestos communities was launched earlier this summer. See: South Africa: Limpopo Asbestos Community Gets Health Screening After Resident's Death.

Complacency in the aftermath of a national asbestos ban is not unusual. The article cited below highlighted the ongoing health hazard posed by even low levels of airborne asbestos in Norway’s rural and municipal spaces. Papers sourced from three major databases, identified 22 studies relevant to the new study: a review of the literature found “that the levels of asbestos fibers in outdoor air are generally low, but that they are still significant…” To better understand the problems, the researchers are keen to investigate “how weathering and degradation of materials containing asbestos can affect levels in the environment.” See: Asbest kan fortsatt finnes ute i lufta [Asbestos can still be found in the air].

Weeks of delay by regional authorities extended the period during which children were exposed to asbestos at a nursery facility for the children of healthcare workers in Roberval, Quebec. Parents were furious about the exposures which could have taken place between June 22, the date when building work began which disturbed the asbestos, and August 18, when the nursery was evacuated. Reassurances that “tests confirmed a low presence of asbestos,” which Santé Québec – the Quebec public health and social services agency – considered a low risk to the health of the children, only added fuel to the fire. See: Amiante au-dessus d’un CPE Quand Santé Québec néglige la santé publique [Asbestos above a daycare centre. When Santé Québec neglects public health].

After many twists and turns, adjournments, hearings, postponements and reversals, Brazil’s asbestos ban was upheld last week at the highest level. On September 18, 2026, the Supreme Court handed down a unanimous verdict in litigation concerning a Goiás State law (2019) which allowed asbestos mining to continue – for export purposes only – in contravention of a national prohibition put in place in 2017 by the Court. Pursuant to the confirmation that the asbestos ban was inviolable and absolute, the Goiás law was declared unconstitutional. With the annulment of the state exemption for asbestos mining, the chrysotile asbestos mine operated by Sama Minerações Associadas, a subsidiary of Eternit, S.A., will be closed. [Read full article]

One lesson that every ban asbestos activist learns is the need for patience. There is no timetable for success and there are long periods when nothing seems to happen. This summer, however, was not one of them. Online reports over recent weeks indicated a seismic shift in the global asbestos debate. Even in countries where asbestos use remains legal, steps are being taken to reveal the human consequences and national costs incurred by the use of this outdated and deadly technology. As clearly shown by global asbestos trade data, consumers are increasingly choosing safer alternatives. In 2025, asbestos output was 960,000 tonnes, ~20% of the 1980 total. However you look at it, the industry is on a downward trajectory. The end cannot come soon enough. [Read full article]

India is the largest importer and user of asbestos in the world. Despite the ferocious lobbying by the asbestos sector, change is coming with the introduction of partial bans and the imposition of restrictions. Pursuant to a 2025 judgment of India’s National Green Tribunal, the Central Pollution Control Board launched a public consultation for the creation of guidelines for the “Installation, Dismantling and Disposal of Asbestos Cement Roofing Sheets, Asbestos Cement Wall Sheets and Asbestos Cement Pipes.” The deadline for submissions is September 17, 2026. [Read full article]

On September 8, 2026, NYC Mayor Mamdani told a press conference that 68 boxes of evidence detailing “what the city knew about toxic air around ground zero, when they knew it, and how they acted to limit liability” had been found. In the run-up to the 25th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Mayor announced that an online portal had been created with 170,000+ documents from the hidden archive. More documents will be uploaded in the coming months. Speaking at City Hall, the Mayor said: “People got sick because the leaders they trusted lied and told them they were safe to breathe in toxic air.” Asbestos was found “nearly everywhere” in the vicinity of ground zero; 10 months after the attack, health officials reported finding asbestos half a mile away from the site. [Read full article]

Dr Gregory Deleuil lived life to the full. He made the most of every chance to connect, assist and enjoy opportunities as they presented themselves. He was a medical practitioner who never lost the human touch and was often called upon by patients to translate into ordinary language the jargon transmitted by pulmonary and cancer specialists. He was trusted by his patients and their families who often became personal friends. He was an easy man to love and my whole family did so with gusto. When my son got ill with pneumonia in Perth, Greg treated him. When my daughter invited him to her wedding, he was there at the top table. We loved him to bits. This love will endure long after his passing. The world is a greyer and sadder place without him. [Read full article]

A recent entry on the schedule for Brazil’s Supreme Court (STF) revealed that a national asbestos litigation saga may finally be heading towards a resolution. After many setbacks, postponements and interruptions, the STF may be in a position to issue its judgment regarding the unconstitutionality of a Goiás State law which contravened a 2017 STF ruling outlawing the asbestos industry. Campaigners expressed “cautious optimism” that the contentious legislation will be quashed due to the advent of a new Goiás industry: the mining of the magnetic rare earths – neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium – at the Pela Ema mine in Minaçu, Goiás. [Read full article]

The launch in the Philippines of the National Framework for the Prevention of Asbestos-Related Diseases last month marked “a milestone moment” in the national campaign to end asbestos mortality. Rejecting disinformation and propaganda spread by asbestos vested interests, the actions outlined in the Framework accepted the fundamental tenet that: “there's no safe level of asbestos exposure, and tackling it takes everyone working together, not just one agency acting alone.” The comprehensive roadmap delineated at the July event by the Philippine Department of Health was supported by representatives from the government, unions, industry, health agencies and international organizations in attendance. [Read full article]

A Tribunal in New Zealand handed down a ruling on August 17, 2026 holding Kmart – a major toy retailer in Australasia – to account for all the costs incurred by consumers who purchased asbestos-contaminated toys sold by Kmart in Christchurch. As a media statement from Consumer NZ, an independent consumers’ advocacy group, explained: “this is the first Disputes Tribunal ruling in New Zealand concerning the recalled children’s sand.” The Tribunal found that the play sand was “unsafe, not fit for purpose and not of acceptable quality under the Consumer Guarantees Act.” We believe that this is the first such ruling anywhere which ordered a company to pay for decontamination of a claimant’s home and garden as well as other related costs. Thank you to Consumer NZ for permission to upload this text. [Read full article]

Powerful political forces are aligning in Indonesia to support grassroots efforts to eradicate the asbestos hazard from southeast Asia’s largest asbestos-consuming country. Following shortly after the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued a warning about the cancer hazard posed by the use of asbestos roofing, a statement was released by the Central Statistics Agency which categorized houses with asbestos roofs as “uninhabitable” because they did not meet building durability criteria and posed a health risk. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Environment strongly recommend that asbestos-free roofing should be used to protect Indonesians from toxic exposures to an acknowledged carcinogen. [Read full article]

A coalition of civil society groups representing asbestos victims, occupational health and safety campaigners and medical experts from Asia, Europe, Latin America and Australasia is delighted to announce the winners of The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat Children’s Champions Award 2026. All of the people and organizations recognized were “accidental activists” who were drawn into a critical situation not of their making. Individually and collectively they demanded answers about sales of potentially damaging children’s products in New Zealand and Australia. By so doing, they protected the lives of children at home and abroad. As UK campaigner Lynne Squibb said “The world is a safer place for the actions of Elle, David, Benjamin, Terri-Ann, Michael, Robert, Jason and their colleagues.” [Read full article]

With the interconnectivity facilitated by contemporary means of communication, news about the contamination of children’s toys broadcast in late 2025 in New Zealand and Australia reverberated around the world in a matter of days. The discoveries which led to the global alert set off a chain reaction which resulted in recalls of toxic toys in multiple jurisdictions. For the first time, the story of how a few routine tests in a Brisbane laboratory led to international outrage, consumer mobilization and political confusion is recounted by those involved. I’m in no doubt that you’ll be able to see it in a Netflix miniseries before too long, but in the meantime you can read all about it here. [Read full article]

Opposition is growing in India – the world’s biggest asbestos market – to it’s massive use of a mineral classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogen. In 2024, 98,000 people in India died from lung cancer, a disease caused not only by smoking but also by exposures to asbestos and other toxins. Of course, lung cancer is not the only disease caused by asbestos exposures and there is no doubt that if the authorities investigate, they will find increasing numbers of patients with mesothelioma, cancers of the larynx and ovaries, asbestosis and pleural thickening. The data on the explosion in lung cancer incidence should be a wakeup call for Indian civil society and national regulators. The time has come for asbestos use to be phased out – it is a matter of life and death. [Read full article]

Whilst researching an article entitled: Report from the Asbestos Frontline: Summer 2026, I was astonished to see the widespread availability via online retail portals of products containing large amounts of asbestos, in some cases as much as 100%. Further investigations by colleagues in Malaysia, Ukraine, the Philippines, Indonesia and India, revealed a dizzying array of high-content asbestos material on sale in many Asian and East European countries. Despite the known risks posed by the use of products containing a group 1 carcinogen, there were no health hazard warnings visible in the advertisements. [Read full article]

There have been many historical events which took the world by surprise: the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the results of the Brexit referendum, to name just a few. Looking back, however, the signs were there if only people had stopped to look. A look at recent developments in the few asbestos-producing countries which remain indicates that change could be on the horizon. The fortunes of asbestos vested interests in Brazil, China, Russia and Kazakhstan are, like those of other commercial enterprises, susceptible to adverse judicial rulings, social and environmental trends, changing market forces and international sanctions. The writing is on the wall! [Read full article]

The war to end the asbestos slaughter is not just being fought in countries where asbestos use remains legal; battles are ongoing elsewhere over illegal sales of toxic products and historic environmental pollution. The foot soldiers in these skirmishes are parents, local people and regional politicians as well as civil society campaigners, all of whom face daunting challenges as they engage powerful industrial, commercial and government vested interests. A new text which documented key developments in Asia, Oceania and Europe this summer substantiated the author’s conclusion that: “In the fight to end asbestos mortality, there are no civilians: every one of us is on the frontline.” [Read full article]

Earlier this month (July), asbestos victims’ groups in England, Scotland and Wales. and UK cancer charities mounted a myriad of events to remember those lost to deadly asbestos-related diseases. New government data confirmed the lived experience of these campaigners: the country’s asbestos epidemic continues to cause a massive loss of life more than 20 years after asbestos was banned. New toxic exposures continue as a result of asbestos material remaining within the national infrastructure and the import and sale of asbestos-contaminated play sand, toys and decorative household goods. [Read full article]

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Demonstration in Woluwe Park, Brussels, 2006

Under cloudy skies, members of Belgian and French Asbestos Victims' Associations from Dunkirk and Bourgogne marched side-by-side in the third annual demonstration organized by ABEVA, the Belgian Association of Asbestos Victims. Erik Jonckheere, ABEVA's Co-chairman, condemned the government which still refuses to recognize the plight of the asbestos injured.

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