Report from the Asbestos Frontline: Summer 2026
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.
Indonesia
According to the latest data, a million tonnes of asbestos are consumed every year, most of which are used in Asian countries where regulations are few or non-existent. In these countries, asbestos-containing products such as pipes, sheets, roofing and insulation remain popular consumer choices. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest asbestos importers, with average annual imports exceeding 97,000 tonnes over the last five years. The vast majority of the asbestos used goes into building products such as asbestos-cement roofing material. Advertisements for asbestos-cement roofing which were featured on Instagram this month (July 2026) by NUSA, an Indonesian building materials producer, were accompanied with text highlighting the cost advantage of using asbestos-cement roofing, ease of installation, and temperature and noise reduction.
 Advertisements on Instagram Indonesia for asbestos-cement roofing material. Downloaded July 2026. |
One July NUSA Instagram post featured assurances from the East Java Consumer Protection Foundation titled: “Not All Asbestos Is the Same.”
“Fibre-cement products containing white asbestos (chrysotile) are not dangerous, and the use of white asbestos (chrysotile) fibre in roofing products is only around 7-8%, paper [pulp] 5%, and cement 87-88%, in line with the SNI [Indonesian National Standard].”
It is noteworthy that this month, representatives of the body that made that assertion are in Yekaterinburg to sign agreements with the Russian Government that will lock Indonesia into many more years of asbestos imports and production.1
The fact that asbestos-containing roofing is sold in Indonesia without hazard warnings was the basis of a 2023 petition to Indonesia’s Supreme Court by consumer organizations and health advocates. When the Court backed the need for the government to implement mandatory labels in the local language, the Fibre Cement Manufacturers’ Association (FICMA) – the Indonesian asbestos trade association – sued the campaigners. This intimidatory action was unsuccessful: FICMA lost the punitive aspects of the case and failed to demoralize the activists.2
Australia/ New Zealand
The ramifications of the asbestos contamination of children’s toys sold in Australia and New Zealand continue to reverberate around the world. On November 12, 2025, the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) and the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) announced that asbestos fibers had been identified in multiple children’s play sand products and, as a result, recall notifications had been issued.3
 Amongst the first products recalled by the ACCC & the MBIE in 2025. |
Other national and regional authorities took months to catch up. As of July 9, 2026:
- 48 asbestos recalls had been uploaded to the UK’s Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) portal; as a result, 176 toxic toy products were withdrawn from UK markets;4
- the total number of recalls on the European Commission’s Safety Gate Alert system and the French Government’s website – Rappel Conso – were 56 and 34, respectively;5
- globally, it is believed there have been 135 recalls or warnings across 16+ countries.
 Picture courtesy of Ben Alford. |
Ever since the first asbestos recalls were made last year, national authorities and product suppliers tried to reassure consumers of the “low risk” nature of the exposures experienced by children. Some people, like New Zealand parents Elle Chrisp and David Dingwall weren’t convinced.6 In April, 2026 they brought a case against Kmart, the huge Australian–New Zealand retailer, to the Disputes Tribunal; the toxic sand purchased for their children had been sold by Kmart. They also lodged a complaint with the MBIE alleging that Kmart had “downplayed the health risks of its contaminated play sand, misled customers about their rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act, and refused to cover the cost of testing and decontaminating the homes where the sand had been used.” As far as we are aware, these proceedings continue.
 Picture courtesy of Ben Alford. |
The fears of Chrisp, Dingwall and many others were confirmed on July 2, 2026 when results of tests undertaken in a laboratory in Auckland, New Zealand revealed that asbestos fibers had been liberated during simulated play with contaminated sand.7 The Government’s response was immediate:
- the Ministry of Health reconvened an advisory group to assess the findings and its chief medical officer acknowledged the concerns of the public, parents and caregivers;
- the MBIE began work on updating its advice to the Government and urged businesses to take appropriate action in light of the findings;
- the Commerce Commission opened an investigation into what consumers were told.
Hungary
Earlier this year, it was reported that more than 100,000 tonnes of asbestos-containing aggregates from Austria had been used in road construction in Western Hungary.8 Data from official sources confirmed that, as a result, “dangerously high levels of airborne asbestos fibers up to dozens of times above health limits…” had been recorded in the town of Szombathely.
On July 10, I was notified that the figure of 100,000+ tonnes had been a gross underestimate: the updated figure for the amount of contaminated aggregate used in Szombathely alone is 468,000 tonnes. The original assessment which said that 1,500 people lived in the Szombathely danger zone with another 1,000 people in surrounding streets was also incorrect; additional people were also at risk from toxic exposures in several other settlements and hundreds of locations in three counties.
News of negotiations between Austrian and Hungarian authorities did little to assuage the concerns of local people over the dangerous conditions. In June, 2026, Szombathely resident Dániel Holdosi reached out to global contacts about the situation. The result was the July 1, 2026 Open Letter: Re Solidarity with Szombathely, Hungary authored by representatives of asbestos victims, occupational health and safety campaigners and medical experts from Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America. The letter concluded:
“the situation is time critical… This is not a political issue; it is a humanitarian emergency. Failure to eradicate the contamination will have dire consequences for decades to come. We urge Hungarian and EU officials to stand in solidarity with Szombathely and protect the health of all those at risk from this man-made disaster.”9
In the past two months, temporary solutions have not been followed by a permanent solution and fears are growing for the “life-long consequences” of this environmental catastrophe.
 A cartoon depicting the dangers of childhood asbestos exposures in Szombathely, Hungary. Image reproduced by courtesy of Dániel Holdosi. |
The toxic aggregates used in Hungary were commercial exports from Austria. In Belgium, environmental asbestos contamination was free. In many areas, it was a byproduct of manufacturing operations at asbestos-cement factories belonging to Eternit Belgium. In addition to the fall-out from the production, asbestos-cement factory waste was made available to employees and local people at low or no cost for use paving farmyards, driveways and bicycle paths.10
Flanders, Belgium
On June 30, 2026, the Flemish government announced that it had broken off negotiations with Eternit/Etex over plans for the former asbestos conglomerate to pay for the eradication of contamination caused by its operations.11 The Flanders Government said it will immediately restart proceedings to recoup the remediation costs for clean-up efforts throughout the region.12
Explaining the reason for the government U-turn, Flemish Minister of the Environment Jo Brouns said:
“We gave Eternit and Etex the opportunity to take responsibility themselves for one of the gravest environmental and health crimes in our recent history. That opportunity was not seized, and we regret that… We will deploy all means at our disposal under the rule of law. We do so out of responsibility towards the victims, the local residents, the local authorities, and all Flemings who are currently helping to pay for the consequences of the asbestos past.”13
Japan
The name “Eternit” was familiar to many generations of Japanese workers who toiled in the asbestos-cement factories owned by Japan Eternit, a company with contractual links to Eternit Italy.14 Japan Eternit was part of what historians have called the Eternit Imperium, a global network of subsidiaries, co-owned corporations and licensees which produced and sold asbestos-cement products.15
Despite decades of work to raise awareness of the deadly impact of asbestos usage in Japan during the 20th century, it took a development known as the “Kubota Shock” (2005) for the public and government to finally acknowledge the existence of an ongoing occupational and public health emergency.16 Japanese asbestos victims and relatives are well organized and vocal and work assiduously to exert pressure on the government to improve conditions for sufferers. One of their major initiatives is July’s Mesothelioma Awareness Month, the organizers of which include the National Network of Asbestos Victims and their Families, the Mesothelioma Peer Support Caravan and the Rare Cancer Center of the National Cancer Center, Japan. In the run-up to that event, a series of meetings took place in Tokyo last month as shown by the pictures below. A report on these developments will be uploaded in due course.
 Members of the National Network of Asbestos Victims and their Families, the Mesothelioma Peer Support Caravan, Korean guests and a medical doctor at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo. June 26, 2026 (morning). They are holding up new information material for distribution during Mesothelioma Awareness Month. Picture courtesy of Sugio Furuya. |
 Meeting at the House of Representatives building in Tokyo between government officials and members of the National Network of Asbestos Victims and their Families and civil society campaigners from Japan and Korea. June 26, 2026 (afternoon).17 Picture courtesy of Sugio Furuya. |
 Commemorative photo of members of the National Network of Asbestos Victims and their Families and civil society campaigners from Japan and Korea after meeting at the National Diet in Tokyo, Japan on June 26, 2026 (afternoon). Picture courtesy of Sugio Furuya (Enlarge this image). |
 Yeyong Choi, Director of Asian Citizens’ Center for Environmental Health (Eco-Health) Korea, addressing 38th BANJAN Annual General Assembly in Tokyo on June 27, 2026. Picture courtesy of Sugio Furuya. |
UK
The UK has the world’s highest incidence of mesothelioma, the signature cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.18 On July 3, 2026 asbestos victims support groups and cancer charities in England, Scotland and Wales observed Action Mesothelioma Day (AMD) at information sessions, public rallies, social gatherings and remembrance services. While every event had its own personality, many included musical interludes, floral tributes and post-AMD teas with homemade cakes! The inclusion of doves – a universal symbol of hope and spirituality – was a feature at many of the events. 19
 The splendid Welsh doves at the AMD event held by Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru (AASC) were released from in the grounds of a Grade II listed Mansion House in Cardiff, Wales. Photograph courtesy of AASC. |
 The doves seemed fairly chilled out in Portsmouth, England at the AMD event of the HASAG Asbestos Disease Support. Picture courtesy of HASAG. |
Although I did not attend an AMD event this year, in days gone by I was always amazed at the generosity of spirit and strength of character on show by people who had every right to feel aggrieved at the turn their lives had taken. Creating the public space for those affected by asbestos to voice their experiences facilitates connection and fellowship amongst others similarly affected.
 Craig Morrison, 52-yeard-old mesothelioma patient, spoke at the AMD event held by Action on Asbestos in Glasgow, Scotland. Picture courtesy of Action on Asbestos. |
Prevention of asbestos-related disease is always a priority during AMD discussions and this year was no different with Phyllis Craig of Action on Asbestos – formerly Clydeside Action on Asbestos – calling for the urgent removal of asbestos from schools at an AMD event in Glasgow.20 Elsewhere, medical specialists highlighted ongoing postcode lotteries for treatment while specialist nurses provided vital updates on medical research and the availability of support services.
Concluding Thoughts
In the fight to end asbestos mortality there are no civilians: every one of us is on the frontline. The industry of death which caused the global epidemic killing hundreds of thousands of people every year must be shut down and those responsible for the toxic exposures must be held to account for the decisions they took and the damage they did. The struggle continues.
July 15, 2026
_______
1 Akselerasi Riset Krisotil Asbes: Indonesia Bidik Kerja Sama Strategis di INNOPROM 2026 [Accelerating Chrysotile Asbestos Research: Indonesia Targets Strategic Partnership at INNOPROM 2026]. June 19, 2026.
https://infonews.id/baca-9812-akselerasi-riset-krisotil-asbes-indonesia-bidik-kerja-sama-strategis-di-innoprom-2026
2 Kazan-Allen, L. Indonesia’s Campaign to Eradicate Asbestos Mortality: 2026 Update. June 25, 2026.
https://ibasecretariat.org/lka-indonesia-s-campaign-to-eradicate-asbestos-mortality-2026-update.php
Kazan-Allen, L. Industry Attacks Consumers Historic Win Against Chrysotile Asbestos. October 14, 2024.
https://ibasecretariat.org/lka-industry-attacks-consumers-historic-win-against-chrysotile-asbestos.php
Kazan-Allen, L. Indonesia Update 2025: Victories, Research, Subterfuge. December 16, 2025.
https://ibasecretariat.org/lka-indonesia-update-2025-victories-research-subterfuge.php
APHEDA. Key Win over the Asbestos Industry in Indonesia. December 23, 2025.
https://apheda.org.au/key-win-over-the-asbestos-industry-in-indonesia/
3 Kazan-Allen, L. Toxic Toys Create Global Outrage. November 21, 2025.
https://ibasecretariat.org/lka-toxic-toys-create-global-outrage.php
4 OPSS. Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls: Asbestos. July 7, 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls?keywords=asbestos+&product_alert_type%5B%5D=product-recall&product_recall_alert_date%5Bfrom%5D=01/01/2026
Mableson, A. Cancer-causing asbestos is found in 13 MORE products sold in UK as shoppers warned to ‘stop using immediately.’ July 6, 2026. The Sun article said 151 products were withdrawn from sale as of July 6 but with the recall on July 7, the total number is now 166.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39665939/cancer-asbestos-products-warning-13-new/
5 European Commission. Safety Gate: the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products: search word asbestos. July 7, 2026.
https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/search
French asbestos recalls on Rappel Conso website. Accessed July 7, 2026.
https://rappel.conso.gouv.fr/categorie/0/1/amiante
European Commission. Safety Gate: the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products: search word asbestos. July 7, 2026.
https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/search
6 Christchurch parents take Kmart to the Disputes Tribunal over asbestos play sand as more than 200 schools and centres count the cost. April 28, 2026.
https://newswire.co.nz/2026/04/christchurch-parents-take-kmart-to-the-disputes-tribunal-over-asbestos-play-sand-as-more-than-200-schools-and-centres-count-the-cost/
7 Wilson, K.B. ‘Incredibly disheartening’: Airborne asbestos found in children’s play sand. July 2, 2026.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/651994/incredibly-disheartening-airborne-asbestos-found-in-children-s-play-sand
8 The toxic road material was mining waste from a number of Austrian sources.
9 Joint Letter. Open Letter: Re Solidarity with Szombathely, Hungary. July 1, 2026.
https://ibasecretariat.org/open-letter-re-solidarity-with-szombathely-hungary-fin-eng.pdf
10 Eternit. Asbestverleden [Asbestos history]. Accessed July 20, 2026.
https://www.eternit.be/nl-be/asbestverleden/
Kazan-Allen, L. Eternit Negligent for Toxic Waste! April 7, 2007.
https://www.ibasecretariat.org/lka_eternet_negligent_holland.php
11 Vlaanderen stopt onderhandelingen met Eternit en stapt opnieuw naar de rechter [Flanders stops negotiations with Eternit and goes to court again]. June 30, 2026.
https://www.hln.be/binnenland/vlaanderen-stopt-onderhandelingen-met-eternit-en-stapt-opnieuw-naar-de-rechter~a0ee2df0/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fibasecretariat.org%2F
12Ibid.
13 Ibid.
14 Murayama, T. and Ushijima, S. Chapter 18: Eternit Activity and Emerging Victims: Japanese Case.
Eternit and the Great Asbestos Trial. [pages 91-92]. 2012.
https://www.ibasecretariat.org/eternit-great-asbestos-trial-chap-18.pdf
15 Editors: Allen, D. and Kazan-Allen, L. Eternit and the Great Asbestos Trial. 2012.
https://ibasecretariat.org/eternit-great-asbestos-trial-toc.htm
16 The “Kubota Shock” started on June 29, 2005, when the Japanese industrial giant Kubota Corporation publicly announced that scores of its current and former employees had died from mesothelioma, a fatal cancer caused by asbestos. In the days that followed, many other companies admitted that their workers had also suffered serious health consequences from occupational asbestos exposures.
Kazan-Allen L. Killing the Future – Asbestos Use in Asia. IBAS 2007; p 18-19.
http://ibasecretariat.org/ktf_web_fin.pdf
17 Approximately 100 members of asbestos victim groups from 21 Japanese victim organizations attended, with ~50 officials from the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications also in attendance.
18 According to UK government data, 5,000+ Britons die every year from asbestos-related diseases. Research from Scotland recently revealed that cumulative asbestos mortality far exceeded official predictions. According to Professor Daniel Murphy, a more realistic estimate for the annual number of asbestos-related deaths would be ~25,000.
19 Kazan-Allen, L. Confronting Britain’s Asbestos Epidemic. July 9, 2026.
https://ibasecretariat.org/lka-confronting-britain-s-asbestos-epidemic.php
20 Shenton, E. Action on Asbestos memorial calls for urgent school asbestos removal. July 4, 2026.
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/26252168.action-asbestos-memorial-urgent-school-asbestos-removal/
