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On April 10, 2026, the EU Safety Gate Alert scheme recalled more stretchable toys – Alert number: SR/01122/26 – from the market due to asbestos contamination. The sand filled stretchable figurine toys were made and exported from China and were sold in France by Ferry Jouets and CICABOOM. Consumers were warned that: “The toy could rupture and the filling of the inside could come out. The sand inside contains asbestos. Asbestos could cause cancer.” The EU alert was based on a French recall. See: Safety Gate: the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products [search for asbestos].

The extent of asbestos contamination at a major federal office building in Montreal – the Guy Favreau Complex – has now become a hot button issued after it was revealed that a former worker had contracted an asbestos-related disease. The information formerly distributed about the level of contamination at the 1984-built 12-story office building suggested that the asbestos was confined to the basement. According to trade union representatives, however, information recently obtained says asbestos-containing material was present throughout the building. See: Lawyers union sounds alarm over illness tied to asbestos.

An official complaint is being progressed with the Public Prosecutor in Pavia, Italy over asbestos contamination of the Golgi High School in the city of Broni in the Lombardy region. Following an independent investigation, evidence was provided to the Prosecutor which revealed that chrysotile (white) asbestos fibers had been found not only in the elevator shaft but also in classrooms and communal areas. See: Liceo Golgi chiuso per amianto: «Tracce anche al piano terra e vicino le aule» [Golgi High School closed due to asbestos: “Traces also on the ground floor and near the classrooms].

Earlier this month, Spain’s Supreme Court issued a victim’s verdict when it rejected an appeal, by the company which runs Barcelona public transport system [the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB)], against a ruling that supported an asbestos claim brought by former TMB mechanic Jordi Otix Jordi Ribalaygue. The 71-year old plaintiff is suffering from asbestosis, pleural plaques and pulmonary emphysema as a result of occupational asbestos exposures he experienced over decades at TMB’s Vilapicina workshop. See: El Supremo confirma que un extrabajador del metro de Barcelona sufre una incapacidad total por el amianto [The Supreme Court confirms that a former Barcelona metro worker suffers total disability due to asbestos].

Another timely feature by Richard Clevers on the asbestos furore in the Netherlands caused by the sale of contaminated children’s sand, playsets and toys. Following an investigation, the national regulator (NVWA) recommended that “toys containing sand must henceforth be tested for asbestos.” Clevers urged the European authorities to address this issue by enforcing standardized testing protocols for importers and manufacturers of all sand-containing products. See: NVWA: Maatregelen nodig tegen speelgoed met hoge concentratie asbest, controleer alles waar zand in zit [NVWA: Measures needed against toys with high concentrations of asbestos, check everything containing sand].

It has been estimated that 16,000 building in Valencia, Spain are contaminated with asbestos. Earlier this month, it was announced that as the first step in plans by the Valencia City Council to eradicate the asbestos hazard from the built environment, a €22,500 (US$26,500) municipal contract for the preparation of a city-wide asbestos census was awarded to the environmental certification company Bureau Veritas. The census must include “the location of the facilities and sites suspected of containing asbestos materials throughout the municipal, urban and rural area, both publicly and privately owned.” See: El Ayuntamiento adjudica la elaboración de un censo para eliminar el amianto de todos los edificios de la ciudad [The City Council awards the preparation of a census to remove asbestos from all buildings in the city].

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.

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.

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 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].

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].

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].

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.

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”].

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].

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].

On April 2, 2026 a news release was featured on the website of the Building and Wood Workers’ International which expressed the serious concerns of dozens of civil society groups about foreign intervention in the democratic process to derail well-established plans to end asbestos import and use in Malaysia. The global mouthpiece representing asbestos vested interests – the International Chrysotile Association (ICA) – was accused of “once again attempting to hijack our national policy” and subvert work to implement national prohibitions. “Banning asbestos is,” the text said “fundamentally a matter of national interest… Our fate and our health must be decided by Malaysians, for Malaysians. Leave no room for the asbestos industry to dictate our future.” [Read full article]

On April 2, 2026, 300 delegates convened in Cambodia’s capital for a government-sponsored consultation to examine the country’s strategy for implementing asbestos prohibitions. Central to the discussions was a 60-page publication launched at the meeting: the Economic Impact Assessment Related to the Use of Asbestos (EIA). To this end, one of the EIA’s authors was in attendance to answer questions. The Executive Summary of the EIA was uncompromising in its findings: “The economic assessment of a proposed ban on asbestos containing materials and raw asbestos fibres was found to be economically viable, with the health benefits from avoided disease far outweighing the cost of implementation and transition by a ratio of 4:1, even under conservative assumptions.” [Read full article]

A timely and informative article by Merlin Chowkwanyun, PhD, MPH from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York City has been reproduced on this website with the author’s blessing. The text reported a rare retraction by The Lancet, “one of the oldest and most prestigious academic journals,” of an unsigned 1997 commentary that discounted the hazard posed by the use of personal hygiene products contaminated with asbestos. The disavowal of the commentary resulted from a discovery made by American researchers – Gerald Markowitz and David Rosner – who were able to provide evidence showing that the contentious text had been written by a consultant paid by Johnson & Johnson, who had shared the draft with company officials and made changes based on their comments. [Read full article]

On January 23 2026, the Canadian government uploaded a 64-page document entitled: Draft Guidance on Asbestos in Drinking Water at the start of a 60-day public consultation process. Interested stakeholders were invited to submit comments before March 24, 2026. The joint submission by Prevent Cancer Now, Canadian Environmental Law Association and Friends of the Earth Canada is informative not only about the current situation in Canada but also has implications for people in many other jurisdictions who are dealing with the adverse fallout from the continuing use of deteriorating asbestos-cement water pipes. We are very grateful for the permission received to upload this document. [Read full article]

For the first time since 1950, annual global asbestos production fell to less than a million tonnes in 2024. This was not a blip, as the low level of production was repeated the following year. Dwindling global output generates less money for propaganda campaigns, international love-ins and aggressive political lobbying by asbestos stakeholders. Industry-funded bodies, such as the International Chrysotile Association, are hanging on by their fingertips; many of these industry fronts have been dissolved or disappeared. The simple chart featured in this article is an accurate and useful depiction of the truth denied by vested interests: the asbestos industry is terminal. The sooner the plug is pulled, the better. [Read full article]

Like pretty much every other country, Britain has a lethal asbestos legacy which continues to endanger the lives of its citizens. Our public buildings, water delivery systems and homes were not only built with asbestos but also currently contain articles contaminated by it such as imported children’s toys, hygiene products and make-up sets. Whilst some of the consequences of toxic exposures have been quantified, others remain unrecognized and unacknowledged. The hazard posed by children playing with craft and play-sand sets and stretchy rubber figures that contain chrysotile and/or tremolite asbestos fibers is extremely concerning. [Read full article]

Late last year, news began circulating about asbestos contamination of imported children’s playsets in Australia and New Zealand. Every day seemed to bring news of more discoveries and school closures. As concurrent recalls were issued by Canberra and Wellington, in Britain and elsewhere the sale of the toxic products continued. By February, a few European governments were acknowledging the hazard and one or two were actually taking action. No coverage of this scandal has been seen in media reports from North or Latin America or Asia, with the exception of Japan. Of course, we don’t know if these contaminated play sand sets and figurines were exported there but given the carcinogenicity of asbestos and the fact that these products are used by children wouldn’t it be better to be sure? [Read full article]

The repercussions of discoveries made in Australia and New Zealand in November 2025, have been reverberating around the globe ever since. Whilst the speed with which countries engaged with the scientific findings varied, there was no denying the public concern over asbestos contamination of craft and kinetic sand products and other toys. A commentary by Asbestos Consultant & Occupational Hygienist Benjamin Alford from Auckland, New Zealand provided clear-cut explanations and graphic images to demystify the key issues involved. Concluding his text, Aflord noted: “The long-term win isn’t more headlines; it’s better upstream control, better method selection, and fewer families learning what ‘tremolite’ means from a recall notice.” [Read full article]

The well-known phrase in the article title is attributed to the 19th century British statesman William Gladstone. These words have been ringing in my ears since February 11, 2026 when I heard the latest news in the long-running battle for justice by Italian asbestos victims. Although the Swiss asbestos billionaire Stephan Schmidheiny was found guilty for the asbestos deaths of hundreds of Italians by lower and appeal courts, in 2014 & 2025 the Supreme Court quashed the convictions on technical grounds. This month, a 2025 guilty verdict was sent back to Turin with an order to have the 600+ page judgment translated into German, the defendant’s mother tongue. According to campaigner Nicola Pondrano, who is still reeling from this decision: “The sense of injustice and the bitterness felt by the whole community is immense.” [Read full article]

The existence of abandoned mining towns is a reality in many parts of the world where hordes of adventurers had once sought riches from wealth-giving gold, silver and other minerals. Two such communities, built on asbestos hopes and fueled by asbestos profits, were Cassiar, Canada and Wittenoom, Australia. Once the seams of asbestos no longer proved viable, the towns built around them were redundant. Comparing the histories of Cassiar and Wittenoom revealed both similarities and differences in the lived experiences of workers and their families as well as the deadly consequences of the time spent in the toxic towns. [Read full article]

In December 2025, Dr Helen Clayson had the opportunity to visit the Archives and Special Collections department in the Andersonian Library, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow to peruse some of the material in its asbestos archives. With the help of assistant archivist Rachael Jones, Dr Clayson examined historical documents, industry reports and revealing photographs. This material, she reported, helps “us to understand how a major public health issue took so long to come to attention and for victims to be recognised, supported and financially compensated.” [Read full article]

The Saturday, January 24, 2026 issue of The Guardian newspaper ran a story entitled Asbestos found in children’s play sand sold in UK, which confirmed that asbestos-contaminated colored sand had been sold in the UK by the nationwide chain Hobbycraft. The company withdrew the product from its shelves but did not recall it, saying that there had been no government warning. A Westminster spokesperson criticized Hobbycraft’s half measures, saying “there’s no good reason why Hobbycraft shouldn’t recall this themselves, given the evidence;” whilst the Department for Business and Trade resorted to its standard rhetoric defending the country’s “robust product safety laws” and “strict criteria.” You couldn’t make it up! [Read full article]

An exposé screened by Italy’s public broadcaster RAI on Sunday January 4, 2026 refocused national attention on a scandal which had been festering for decades: the failure of the Italian authorities to hold to account people responsible for a national epidemic of avoidable ill-health and premature deaths. While there is no proof that the offers made by international powerbrokers revealed on the program were either realized or responsible for the Supreme Court’s contentious decision in 2014 to overturn Stephan Schmidheiny’s convictions over asbestos deaths caused by his Italian operations, the public most definitely has a right to know why the Court took that action. With another Supreme Court asbestos decision on the horizon, clarity from the Court is a matter of some urgency. [Read full article]

At the end of last year Azerbaijan, a former Soviet Republic, announced plans to outlaw the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing products. This follows national bans in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine. Pro-asbestos propaganda spread by Russian and Kazakh producers – responsible for ~70% of global asbestos output – has clearly lost the dominance it once had over the regional asbestos discourse. According to Azerbaijani ecologist Rovshan Abbasov: “The history of asbestos bans in developed countries begins with the discovery of a direct link between this mineral and the development of severe lung diseases, including cancer. Medical studies have irrefutably proven the carcinogenicity of asbestos fibres when inhaled.” [Read full article]

December is traditionally the time of year to review the accomplishments, triumphs and low points of the last twelve months. Throughout the year, initiatives to identify the asbestos-injured, build medical capacity, implement awareness campaigns, lobby decision-makers and expose asbestos injustices were implemented in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, Latin & North America. There can be no doubt that the problems asbestos poses to humanity and the environment are now an integral part of discussions about human rights, environmental justice, ecodiversity and sustainability. Despite progress made in 2025, much remains to be done. We look forward to working with you all in 2026. In the meantime, please accept greetings of solidarity and friendship and our very best wishes for a happy and healthy new year! [Read full article]

One week before Christmas, the UK government issued a blanket denial about the sale of imported asbestos-contaminated toys in response to three questions asked by Labour MP Ian Lavery: “There is no evidence these products are available on the UK market.” They are wrong and the proof was readily available if anyone had bothered to look. Our online research identified at least two of the products recalled in Australia over asbestos fears which had been listed on Amazon UK: Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Galt Sand Stickers. It seems obvious that given the choice parents and grandparents would prefer to err on the side of caution and choose a gift that did not contain a toxic substance. Shouldn’t someone, somewhere be sounding the alarm? [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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