News Archive

On March 18 & 20, 2026, a further ten toys were withdrawn from UK markets because they presented “a risk to health as the sand included in the set may be contaminated with a quantity of asbestos.” The UK regulatory body – the Office for Product Safety Standards (OPSS) – reported that units already sold of these products had been recalled from end-users by the manufacturer (KTL) and seller (AliBaba). They included: squishy and stretchy toy figures, balloon dog toys, a science kit and a wooden sand toy. See: GOV.UK website. Search for Asbestos Recalls.

Worthwhile Initiative in Ontario

Mar 25, 2026

The Canadian Province of Ontario recently launched an online occupational exposure registry (OER) portal where concerned workers can record details of workplace exposures to asbestos and 10 other hazardous substances. This is the first such initiative anywhere in Canada and is “designed to prevent workplace-related diseases and provides users with a long-term record for medical assessments and future compensation.” According to an official study (2020), fewer than 10% of Ontarians with occupational cancers receive compensation for their injuries. See: Occupational exposure registry a first in Canada.

Help or No Help?

Mar 25, 2026

The article cited below detailed a rather confused situation for school officials in New Zealand facing unspecified remediation costs due to their use of asbestos-contaminated play sand. Insurers are, said the Education Ministry, expected to cover decontamination work at individual schools but in some cases funds might be made available from an $8 million pot of government money reserved “to help schools fast track day-to-day maintenance.” More than a hundred schools had applied for government funding for asbestos removal work. See: About $8 million available to cover asbestos sand clean-up costs, document indicates.

Victory in Bari!

Mar 25, 2026

Last week, Italy’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) was ordered to recognize the 2024 mesothelioma death of naval mechanic Marshal Francesco Pantaleo, who had, for decades, been exposed to asbestos on board MoD ships. As per the ruling of the Bari Court, the MoD will pay the deceased’s family compensation of €285,000 (US$330,355) in addition to monthly allowances for his widow and children. The judge noted that Pantaleo was routinely exposed to asbestos especially in engine rooms where “maintenance activities generated real ‘clouds of harmful dust…’” See: Militare pugliese morto per amianto riconosciuto vittima del dovere [Apulian soldier [serviceman] killed by asbestos recognized as a victim of duty].

Precautionary Advice!

Mar 25, 2026

In a March 6, 2026 upload to the website of the Danish Consumer Council (Forbrugerrådet Tænk), consumers were advised that following the precautionary principle neither children nor adults should use play sand. Tests were being conducted in Denmark following discoveries in Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia of asbestos contamination in play sand especially items “produced in China.” Amongst the toxic toys identified were: colored play, hobby and decorative sand, magic sand, kinetic sand, sand-filled stretch-fidgets and squeeze figures and sand play tables. See: Asbest i legesand: Sæt legen på pause, indtil produkterne er undersøgt [Asbestos in play sand: Pause play until the products are investigated].

Vermont Asbestos Mine: The Legacy

Mar 25, 2026

A 25+-minute podcast uploaded on March 19, 2026 told the story of a former asbestos mine in Vermont which in the 1930s accounted for 100% of all the asbestos produced in the US. The remnants of a century of asbestos mining are 30 million tons of toxic tailings dominating the landscape. For decades local people, state and federal authorities fought over the hazard posed by this waste and its proximity to the town of Belvidere. For now, no resolution has been found and the pragmatic solution adopted revolves around keeping the asbestos waste contained within the fenced-off industrial site. See: A Vermont asbestos mine shut down in the '90s. Then came the real fight.

Another Asbestos Recall!

Mar 23, 2026

On March 16, 2026, New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) issued an alert over toxic toys which had been sold between September 9, 2025 and January 10, 2026 at City Beach. The products in question were part of the HTI Stretcherz Slammerz range. According to the MBIE notice: “the ‘sand’ inside the products may contain asbestos.” See: HTI Stretcherz Slammerz sold at City Beach.

Asbestos Debate in Parliament

Mar 23, 2026

An adjournment debate secured on March 16, 2026 by MP Douglas McAllister (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab) highlighted the injustice of government rules which marginalized thousands of asbestos cancer victims every year. The injured are people who contracted lung cancer due to workplace asbestos exposures. Under the Compensation Act 2006, people with mesothelioma “could recover full compensation from any one negligent employer, even if other former employers or their insurers cannot be traced” people suffering from asbestos-related lung cancer could not. To remedy this injustice, the MP urged Parliament to act expeditiously. See: March 16, 2026 Adjournment Debate Asbestos-related Lung Cancer: Compensation Act 2006.

Toxic Toys: Update

Mar 23, 2026

While much of Europe has been in turmoil in recent weeks over reports regarding the sale of asbestos- contaminated toys, there has been no mention of this growing scandal in the country where the products originated: China. With that in mind, the article cited below which detailed the growing public outrage in the Netherlands is a rarity. The text reported mixed results from testing of dozens of products and said that the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority’s final conclusions will be released in “a few more weeks.” See:【荷兰】荷兰媒体炒作儿童玩耍用沙不安全，问题有初步结论 [[Netherlands] Dutch media are hyping up the safety concerns surrounding children's play sand; preliminary conclusions have been reached].

Toxic Toys: Interim Results

Mar 23, 2026

On March 13, 2026, it was reported that the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) found asbestos in 34 of 99 products tested during an investigation into play sand toys. In the vast majority of cases, this involved “very small quantities.” The items recalled to date included: Sand art in a glow-in-the-dark bottle; Colored sand; Sensory wooden blocks filled with colored sand; Blue decorative stones; High-quality cream-colored decorative sand (750 grams). According to a spokesperson for the European Commission “all recalls of Chinese products are shared with the Chinese authorities.” See: NVWA: Asbest in speelzand in 1 op de 3 producten, maar in lage concentraties [Asbestos was already found in ‘Glow Sand Art’ in an AD investigation weeks ago].

Medical Treatment: Update

Mar 23, 2026

Medical researchers in London are pioneering a major research project – HIT-MESO – to examine “whether proton beam therapy (PBT) can significantly improve survival for patients with mesothelioma…” This is the first randomized PBT clinical trial in the UK. The clinicians are optimistic about achieving a significant improvement in survival rates. According to Dr Crispin Hiley, chief investigator of the trial: “Proton beam therapy allows us to deliver high-dose radiation far more precisely, sparing critical organs like the heart and healthy lung.” See: UCLH and UCL researchers trial proton beam therapy in bid to transform treatment for mesothelioma.

Spring Asbestos Offensive

Mar 23, 2026

The top headline article currently on the website of the International Chrysotile Association (ICA) – a Belgium-based trade association backed by global asbestos vested interests – targeted campaigners in Malaysia who had called on their government to take urgent action on the asbestos hazard and ban its use. The content of the text rehashed standard pro-asbestos rhetoric and alleged that in Malaysia, as in other countries, “activists, supported by well-endowed foreign militant organizations” had pressured the Government to outlaw asbestos use without any scientific or medical evidence supporting their arguments. See: Why should Malaysia ban chrysotile asbestos when there is no scientific evidence of any negative impact on human health, or the environment?

Urgent Call for Government Action

Mar 18, 2026

On March 14, 2026, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) called on the Malaysia government to ensure that all play and craft sand products sold in the country were free from asbestos, an acknowledged carcinogen. The author of the open letter Mohideen Abdul Kader, the President of CAP, reported recent product recalls and market withdrawals in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom of play and craft sand products after laboratory tests had found asbestos contamination. “Unsafe products,” he concluded “threaten lives and undermine fundamental consumer rights, and children should never face preventable risks from toys or craft materials that are assumed to be safe.” See: LETTER | Addressing asbestos risks in children's play and craft sand products.

Asbestos Contamination of Toys and Playsets

Mar 18, 2026

The article cited below, which was uploaded to an Indian news portal on March 8, 2026, took as its point of departure a commentary published on the website of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) – this website! The text highlighted growing concerns in multiple countries of the hazard posed by discoveries of asbestos contamination of children’s toys and play sets. As there was no author’s name on the article, it seems likely it was written by AI. Nevertheless, it appears to be a fairly accurate summation of the IBAS March 5, 2026 article: Global Challenges, National Responses. See: Asbestos contamination in children’s products highlights global oversight gaps.

MCCAA Urgent Toy Recall

Mar 18, 2026

Last week, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) issued a public warning after finding asbestos contamination in seven toys and children’s play sets sold in Malta which contained kinetic or decorative sand. The items recalled were made by HTI Toys, Addo Play Ltd. and Orb Toys, and included products sold in the Stretcherz range of toys, Out to Impress sand and candle making sets, and the Orb Funkee set of rubber animal figures. End users were urged “to immediately halt usage” and return the recalled items to the retailers. See: Consumer authority recalls kinetic sand toys due to asbestos contamination.

Asbestos Convictions!

Mar 18, 2026

On March 6, 2026 two Midlands companies – Sohan Group Limited and Maize Metals Limited – and site manager Ali Raza Baig were found guilty of asbestos infringements by breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court. The charges related to work undertaken at a Staffordshire demolition site in September 2023. The companies were collectively fined £88,300 with costs of £9,017.65. Baig was sentenced to 26 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years; he received a three-month curfew order and was disqualified from being a director for five years. He was ordered to pay costs of £5,899. See: Two companies and site manager prosecuted following large-scale asbestos disturbance.

Victory on Shikoku Island

Mar 18, 2026

On March 13, 2026, the Takamatsu District Court of Japan ordered three building material manufacturers to pay a total of 24.81 million yen (US $155,775) to the families of three construction workers who died of cancer contracted following workplace asbestos exposures. At a press conference after the ruling, one of the plaintiffs’ lawyers said: “This is the first ruling in Shikoku to recognize the responsibility of building material manufacturers, and therefore it is of great significance.” See: アスベスト訴訟　建材メーカー3社の責任を認めて総額2481万円の賠償命令　高松地裁 [Asbestos lawsuit: Takamatsu District Court recognizes the responsibility of three building material manufacturers and orders them to pay a total of 24.81 million yen in compensation].

Asbestos on the Underground

Mar 18, 2026

The link below is to a thoughtful and provocative commentary on the plight faced by injured workers trying to obtain compensation for occupational asbestos exposures suffered whilst employed by Transport for London (TfL) – the “statutory transport authority responsible for London's public transport network and main roads.” Whilst the case discussed related to the unacceptable experiences of John Smith, whose claim was dismissed out of hand, across the network there were hazardous close encounters on a daily basis. Between 2002 and 2024, TfL has paid out £7,034,813.25 in compensation and legal fees for asbestos claims. See: Transport for London denies Station Manager’s asbestos exposure.

EU Asbestos Recalls

Mar 16, 2026

On March 5, 2026, the Safety Gate Alert system of the European Union (EU) reported the mandatory recall of products containing colored play sand that may “contain” asbestos. The Moxy painting sets featured characters from well-known children’s cartoons including: Peppa Pig, Stitch and Paw Patrol. All the items were exported from China and many were sold via online platforms including bol.com – “the leading online marketplace and retailer in the Netherlands and Belgium.” The tests reported by the EU regulatory agency showed that “The play sand contains asbestos fibres (measured value up to 2% by weight). Asbestos could cause cancer.” See: Alert number: SR/00665/26 - Sand Art Activity Toy.

New Asbestos Recall of Toys

Mar 16, 2026

Certain ranges of toys that were sold in Australia between August 26, 2025 and February 11, 2026 were recalled from end-users by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on March 6, 2026 as tests showed that: “tremolite asbestos has been detected in some samples…” The toxic rubber figures were marketed across Australia by HTI Toys HK Limited under the Stretcherz brand name and included figures from the Stretch Squad XXL and Slammerz range of stretchy toys. HTI Toys HK Limited is a Hong Kong-based subsidiary of the UK-based HTI Group. Consumers were advised to return the products to the retailers. See: Stretcherz Stretch Squad XXL and Slammerz – stretchy toys.

Asbestos Pipes in Calgary?

Mar 16, 2026

According to data from the City of Calgary, Canada, there are still 67 kilometers of asbestos-cement (AC) pipes being used in the municipal water delivery system. The article cited below featured information provided by Julian Branch – a Regina-based board member of the NGO: Prevent Cancer Now – who summarized the health issues posed by the ingestion of water delivered via pipes made of a carcinogenic mineral. Journalist D.R. Barrios concluded his text by asking a series of cogent questions: “Where are the AC pipes located? Does Calgary test for asbestos fibres during water breakages in areas with [AC pipes] or downstream from AC pipe? Finally, what is the long-term replacement plan for AC pipes, and when can we expect it?” See: Does Calgary have asbestos in its water supply?

Recall of Toxic Toys!

Mar 16, 2026

On March 6, 2026, the UK’s Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a recall for ORB Funkee Sand Toys (2603-0062) because “the product presents a risk to health as the sand included in the set may be contaminated with a quantity of asbestos.” The toys were sold between July 2025 and February 2026 through retail outlets such as the Entertainer, Tesco, Matalan, Hobbycraft and British Garden Centres stores as well as via websites. The OPSS reported that the products had been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users. See: Product Recall: ORB Funkee Sand Toys (2603-0062).

Confusion Surrounding NVWA Policy

Mar 16, 2026

Not so long ago the The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) said that it could not take action on asbestos contamination of children’s toys based on tests carried out by private laboratories. Now it is demanding that all tests undertaken on these products in the Netherlands be shared with the NVWA. Attempting to clarify the confusion, a NVWA spokesperson said “the data from other labs is now being requested (or, if necessary, requisitioned) to make the picture ‘as complete as possible’.” See: Onderzoeken naar asbest in speelzand opgeëist door de NVWA [Research into asbestos in play sand requested by the NVWA].

Asbestos Legacy at Libby

Mar 16, 2026

An Open Access document by Professor and Scientific Consultant Jean Pfau and Tracy McNew, Executive Director of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease clinic, which was uploaded on March 5, 2026 asked some incisive questions about the reasoning behind the federal government’s plans to delist Libby, Montana from the list of contaminated Superfund sites. “Shouldn’t we make sure,” the authors asked “before these areas lose precious protections and resources due to delisting” that people can safely live in Libby without fear of future toxic exposures? See: The Libby Asbestos Superfund Site: Safe or not?

Calls for Action on Asbestos Toys

Mar 13, 2026

The Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is under increasing pressure from civil society groups and campaigners who are demanding the implementation of safety protocols which test, certify and label play and craft sand products as asbestos-free. The calls for the FDA to “take timely and decisive regulatory action” came in the aftermath of disturbing discoveries made regarding asbestos contamination of children’s goods sold in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. See: Civil Society Presses FDA to Assure Consumers that Play and Craft Sand Products Sold Locally are Asbestos-Free.