News Archive

On June 14, 2025, Professor Emeritus Kenichi Miyamoto, gave a 90-minute lecture “Endless Asbestos Disaster” as part of a program of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the “Kubota Shock,” the moment when Japan’s deadly asbestos legacy exploded onto the public consciousness. During the free public event, Dr. Kazunori Okabe, Director of the Department ofThoracic Surgery gave a presentation “Asbestos and Pleural Mesothelioma” and Dr. Hiroshi Iida, Secretary General of the Amagasaki Occupational Safety and Health Center, discussed the “Serious Asbestos Damage in Amagasaki.” See: 石綿被害「クボタショック」20年　95歳になった公害研究者の思い [Asbestos Damage “Kubota Shock.” 20 Year Thoughts of a 95-Year-Old Pollution Researcher].

Prostate Cancer & Asbestos

Jun 16, 2025

A ruling by Veterans Affairs Canada that had denied benefits for service-related injuries to the widow of a military veteran, was overturned on May 21, 2025 by the Veterans Review and Appeal Board panel. The two-member appeal board panel found that the prostate cancer which killed the marine engineer had been caused by long-term exposures to asbestos in boiler rooms of naval vessels. The claimant was awarded full disability benefits. See: Canadian veteran’s family wins compensation for cancer linked to asbestos on military ships.

Adding Insult to Injury

Jun 16, 2025

The name of the largest gender-equal rugby league training facility in Australia, which is operated by the New South Wales Parramatta Eels rugby league team, was last week revealed to be the James Hardie (JH) Centre of Excellence and Community Centre. In May, 2025 asbestos diseases sufferers termed the club’s decision to link up with JH “outrageous.”Generations of fans of the West Sydney-based team would have suffered fatalities as a result of toxic exposures experienced at JH asbestos factories in Sydney and elsewhere. See: Parramatta Eels announces James Hardie as Naming Rights Partner of Centre of Excellence.

Update on Mesothelioma Research

Jun 16, 2025

On June 10, 2025 a landmark step was taken in Casale Monferrato, the Italian town at the center of a national asbestos epidemic, when the Asbestos Strategic Committee unanimously approved the terms of a new clinical, preclinical and translational mesothelioma research project. Supporters of the new program, said it was “a significant step forward in taking care of mesothelioma patients and improving treatment pathways at the regional level.” See: Terapie personalizzate e qualità della vita: sì a un nuovo progetto di ricerca contro il mal d’amianto [Personalized therapies and quality of life: yes to new research project tackling asbestos sickness].

Asbestos News: Global Developments

Jun 16, 2025

Two articles in the current issue of the ANROEV (Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environmental Victims) newsletter discussed important asbestos-related developments. The text on page 6 – SLAPP Parasite Haunts Advocacy for the Public's Right to be Protected from Asbestos Hazards in Indonesia – detailed the current legal machinations by asbestos lobbyists in Indonesia to forestall government action on the asbestos hazard. The article on page 8 – Study Confirms Link Between Occupational Asbestos Exposure and Gastrointestinal Cancers – confirmed research findings linking occupational asbestos exposures to gastrointestinal cancers, including oesophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancer. See [Download page]: ANROEV Newsletter Issue 66. 2025.

Mesothelioma: Gene Expression Profile

Jun 16, 2025

An article by four Italian and US scientists which appeared in the September 2025 online issue of the Journal of Experimental and Molecular Pathology – an open access, peer-reviewed publication – identified “a distinct gene expression profile linked to asbestos exposure” in cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma. It is hoped that this discovery will be useful in helping researchers focus on “identifying novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers.” See: From asbestos exposure to carcinogenesis: Transcriptomic signatures in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Asbestos Eradication: Update

Jun 11, 2025

On June 5, 2025 Kenya’s Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa issued a directive mandating the immediate removal of all asbestos roofing materials from buildings across the country “to safeguard public health and environmental integrity.” Under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Management of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Materials) Regulations, 2024, it is obligatory for property owners to safely remove and dispose of all asbestos-containing roofing materials. Ideally, action should be taken in the near future but there is, as yet, no deadline. See: Environment CS Barasa Orders Nationwide Asbestos Roof Ban.

Grenoble Asbestos Conference

Jun 11, 2025

In a fortnight, an international asbestos conference will be held in Grenoble, France to consider a multiplicity of subjects arising from the widespread industrial asbestos legacy which persists even in countries which outlawed asbestos use. Presentations on how to address the technical, social and medical challenges posed by asbestos contamination will be made by speakers from Europe, Asia, Latin and North America and Asia. Translations into French and English will be available. See: RÉSIDU& OUBLI La fabrique des héritages toxiques. Réflexions croisées à partir du cas exemplaire de l’amiante [RESIDUE & REMEMBRANCES The making of toxic legacies. Discussions of the cautionary case of asbestos].

Good News from Perth!

Jun 11, 2025

Researchers at the National Centre for Asbestos-related Diseases Research (NCARD) in Perth, Western Australia announced this week that they had secured a A$500,000 (US$326,200) grant from the icare Dust Diseases Board’s Discovery and Innovation Grants Program to establish the Mesothelioma AI Genomics and Immunology Consortium (MAGIC). Work on this program will begin in July 2025 and last for three years. According to the NCARD news release: “the MAGIC initiative aims to create an international consortium that brings together leading researchers and clinicians from multiple countries to advance mesothelioma research.” See: NCARD secures $500K for international mesothelioma research consortium.

Kubota Shock Anniversary

Jun 11, 2025

June 29th will mark the 20th anniversary of the Kubota Shock, the day when the human consequences of Japan’s massive use of asbestos exploded onto the public consciousness. The article cited below discussed the deadly impact of the asbestos operations at the Kubota factory and detailed the work of Hiroshi Iida, secretary general of the Amagasaki Workers' Safety and Health Center, a grassroots resource which provides support for sufferers of asbestos-related diseases. See: 「時限爆弾」抱える住民　クボタのアスベスト禍20年、終わらぬ救済 [Residents living with a “time bomb”: 20 years on from Kubota's asbestos disaster, relief efforts continue].

Asbestos in the NOA

Jun 11, 2025

Authorities in South Korea’s Gangwon Province are progressing plans to widen regulations related to ensuring the safe management of asbestos in the built and natural environment (naturally occurring asbestos [NOA]). Explaining the legislation which was passed on June 9 and is expected to be promulgated on June 20, Rep. Park Gil-seon said: “Both asbestos materials used in buildings and asbestos found in nature can pose a threat to the health of residents.” See: 박길선 도의원, 석면 피해 예방 위한 조례 전부개정 추진 [Provincial Councilor Park Gil-seon promotes revision of all ordinances to prevent asbestos damage].

Asbestos Mine: Update

Jun 11, 2025

Current operations at one of Canada’s most contaminated worksites – the former Cassiar asbestos mine in British Columbia – are a serious cause for concern, reported Nikki Skuce co-chair of the mining watchdog: BC Mining Law Reform Network. In 2003, the toxic site was obtained by Cassiar Jade Contracting Inc., which is mining for jade. According to the terms of acquisition, the company agreed to undertake $50,000 worth of reclamation work annually. In a recent statement Skuce asked: “What are the precautions they're undertaking for that reclamation so they're not also exposing new people to asbestos?” See: Cassiar asbestos mine, near Yukon-B.C. border, one of province's most contaminated: mining watchdog.

Victim’s Verdict!

Jun 6, 2025

This week, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court in Italy ordered the Ministry of Defense to pay compensation of €200,000 (US$229,000) to the widow and son of a sailor who died from mesothelioma. The deceased, who was a non-commissioned officer in the Navy for 40 years, was exposed to asbestos at sea and on shore during his military service. See: “Esposto ad amianto per 40 anni”: Tar del Lazio condanna la Difesa per la morte di un marinaio [“Exposed to asbestos for 40 years”: Lazio Regional Administrative Court condemns Defense [Ministry] for death of sailor].

Asbestos at the BBC

Jun 6, 2025

Asbestos products were discovered at buildings scheduled for demolition at the BBC Elstree Centre in Hertfordshire. The toxic material was found in 150 places in studios, a restaurant, the Central Technical Area, Hart House, a maintenance building and workshops, none of which were currently being used. After specialists have eradicated the hazard and the buildings are demolished, the site will be developed “to create a major new film and TV production complex with modern day requirements able to attract large-scale productions.” See: Former BBC studios where EastEnders was filmed riddled with asbestos.

Sydney Premiere

Jun 6, 2025

On June 7, 2025, an Australian documentary entitled Yurlu/Country will have its first ever screening at the Sydney Film Festival. The film followed the work of Aboriginal elder Maitland Parker who fought to hold the Government of Western Australia to account for the contamination of Banjima land in the Pilbara region. Operations at the Wittenoom Blue Asbestos Mine turned the Banjima land into “the largest contaminated area in the southern hemisphere.” Mr. Parker died in March 2024 from the signature asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. See: Film follows fight to heal Country from poison legacy.

Asbestos Causes Cancer – Who Knew?

Jun 6, 2025

The upload last week of the damning Russian language article cited below was unusual. Asbestos stakeholders in Russia, the world’s largest asbestos-producing country, exert considerable control of the national asbestos dialogue. The industry lobby works hard to suppress adverse publicity and the disclosure of evidence linking asbestos exposures and cancer. It seems that Author Maria Koroleva did not get the memo. In her text, Koroleva reported that the substance once called a “miracle” had now become a “curse.” “About 80% of residential buildings [in Russia],” she wrote “have asbestos-cement materials in their construction.” See: Тихий убийца: этот строительный материал вызывает рак — он вокруг нас [The Silent Killer: This Building Material Causes Cancer - It's All Around Us].

Costly Discovery in Niigata

Jun 6, 2025

This month, the council of Niigata, Japan is debating an additional allocation of 189.5 million yen (US$1.3m) to the 2025 budget to cover the unexpected costs of asbestos removal at the former city hall annex which is currently undergoing demolition work. Previous inspections had not identified asbestos on this site but a month ago, after the interior had been demolished, asbestos-containing material was been found in the ceiling. See: 解体工事中の旧新潟市役所分館、天井裏などにアスベスト　解体終了2026年春以降にずれ込む見通し[Demolition of former Niigata City Hall Annex building currently underway: Asbestos found in ceiling and other areas; demolition expected to be delayed until spring 2026 or later].

Toxic Talc

Jun 6, 2025

In mid-May, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Marvin Isgur in the Southern District of Texas requested that a District Court “determine, by trial or otherwise, whether any of the talc sold by Barretts Minerals, Inc. (“BMI”) contained sufficient quantity and form of asbestos to cause mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.” Judge Isgur also ruled that the current entity of the defunct talc supplier Barretts Minerals Inc, can continue its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. Lawyers representing personal injury claimants objected to the decision arguing that the parent company Minerals Technologies Inc. remains solvent. See: Texas judge asks District Court to examine asbestos levels out of Dillon mine.

Call for Global Asbestos Ban

Jun 4, 2025

An article by Bernard Fontaine on the website of EPonline – a resource for environmental professionals – on June 2, 2025 detailed the legacy asbestos hazard which continued to expose workers and members of the public to preventable health risks long after asbestos use had been banned. Having discussed diseases caused by toxic exposures and evidence supporting calls to outlaw its use, the author wrote: “In summary, a comprehensive approach – legal bans, worker protections, product substitution, public health surveillance, and safe industrial practices – is needed to eliminate asbestos harm... ongoing vigilance is required to protect current workers and residents from legacy asbestos.” See: Global Asbestos Threat Persists Despite Widespread Bans and Mounting Evidence.

Asbestos Eradication: Update

Jun 4, 2025

In a press release issued on May 30, 2025 by multiple departments and officials of the UK Government it was announced that the sum of £1.2 billion (US$1.6bn) had been allocated “to fix crumbling hospitals and schools across England.” Four hundred and seventy million pounds of this money will be used to address crumbling roofs and asbestos contamination at 656 schools; the vast majority of English schools still contain asbestos building material even though asbestos use was banned more than 20 years ago. See: Patients and pupils to benefit from school and hospital repairs.

Asbestos in Philadelphia Schools

Jun 4,2025

An agreement which was expected to be signed last week between the Philadelphia school board and the U.S. Department of Justice did not materialize. The Philadelphia school district is being investigated by federal authorities over asbestos management practices in Philadelphia schools. The vast majority of district buildings contain asbestos. Under the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response law “if asbestos is present in any school building, that building must be inspected every six months; every building must be checked.” Asbestos audits either did not take place or were not in compliance with the regulations. See: DOJ ‘not ready to proceed’ with agreement over a federal investigation of Philly schools’ asbestos management processes.

Progress Update: Schools

Jun 4, 2025

On June 1, 2025, the Provincial Office of Education in Gyeonggi, South Korea announced plans to implement the ‘2025 School Asbestos Building Safety Management Service Project’ to address concerns over asbestos material which is still present in 423 schools. The implementation of this project comes under the supervision of the Ministry of Employment and Labor. As per mandatory regulations of the Asbestos Safety Control Act, school officials with asbestos in their buildings must carry out a risk assessment every six months and take steps to protect school users from toxic exposures. See: 경기도교육청, 학교석면 위해성평가 및 유지보수 용역사업 [Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, School Asbestos Hazard Assessment and Maintenance Service Project].

Asbestos Eradication in Sicily

Jun 4, 2025

A new program which offers subsidies for the removal of asbestos material from residential buildings was announced last week by Sicily’s Regional Department of Energy, through the Water and Waste Department. Under the scheme, a maximum amount of €5,000 (US$5,700) can be claimed per home, €2,500 (US$2,900) per real estate unit and €30,000 (US$34,000) per apartment building. Applications can be submitted online until September 5, 2025. See: Sicilia, fino a 5.000 euro per la rimozione dell’amianto in casa [Sicily, up to 5,000 euros for the removal of asbestos at home].

Asbestos Memoir Wins Prize

Jun 2, 2025

A coming-of-age book by Sébastien Dulude about growing up in a Canadian asbestos mining town won the Quebec Librarians’ Prize on May 29, 2025. Along with the publicity this literary award generated, the recipient also received $10,000. The author grew up in Canada’s asbestos heartland in Thetford Mines, Quebec. His first novel, entitled Amiante (Asbestos), which was set in 1986-1991, was warmly received by the public and critics, and was nominated for a dozen awards. See: Sébastien Dulude remporte le Prix des libraires du Québec [Sébastien Dulude wins the Québec Librarians' Prize].

Federal Investigation in Philadelphia

Jun 2, 2025

According to information released on May 28, 2025, US federal authorities had launched an investigation into the Philadelphia School District’s management of asbestos in school buildings. Two years ago, district officials had admitted that their practices were not in compliance with federal requirements. Hundreds of Philadelphia’s schools, garages, pools, farms, and other structures contain deteriorating asbestos-containing material which is supposed to be periodically monitored. A lack of capacity and resources were blamed for failures to comply with mandatory regulations. See: Philly schools under federal investigation for asbestos management practices.