Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Kymore Town Battles Toxic Asbestos Waste Linked to UK Company
Kymore is a town in India where dangerous asbestos waste is reportedly still spread around the community.
Asbestos is a material that can release tiny fibers when it is broken or disturbed.
Breathing those fibers can cause serious lung problems.
An ITV News investigation estimated that about one million tonnes of asbestos waste remain in the town.
The reported waste is near places where people live, play sports and go to playgrounds.
Some families believe their illnesses were caused by long-term exposure.
One man named Somesh has advanced cancer, and a doctor cited by ITV News said he may have less than six months to live.
Old Turner & Newall records showed that a company doctor warned managers to explain the dangers to workers.
Turner & Newall later collapsed, and campaigners say money was not set aside to clean up the waste.
The UK government called the claims shocking and said companies should respect people and the environment.
An ITV News investigation estimated that about 1 million tonnes of asbestos waste remain in Kymore, Madhya Pradesh.
Asbestos-contaminated soil, dust and debris were reportedly found near playgrounds, homes, sports fields and open land.
Residents and doctors cited by ITV News linked asbestos exposure to respiratory problems, cancer and high medical costs.
Historical Turner & Newall records from the 1970s warned that Indian workers must be informed about asbestos dangers.
Campaigners said no funding was provided to remove the waste after Turner & Newall collapsed in 2001.
- Who
- Residents and families in Kymore, Turner & Newall, doctors, campaigners, ITV News and the UK government.
- What
- An ITV News investigation reported that large quantities of asbestos waste linked to a former Turner & Newall factory remain across Kymore.
- When
- The contamination has reportedly continued for decades; the company warning cited dates to the 1970s, and Turner & Newall collapsed in 2001.
- Where
- Kymore, Madhya Pradesh, India, including playgrounds, residential areas, sports fields and open land.
- Why
- The reported contamination is linked to asbestos waste left after Turner & Newall operated a factory in the town.
- Estimated remaining waste
- About 1 million tonnes of asbestos waste
- Reported locations
- Playgrounds, residential neighbourhoods, sports fields and open land
- Company linked to waste
- Turner & Newall
- Historical warning
- A Turner & Newall doctor wrote in the 1970s that workers must be told about asbestos dangers and risks.
- Company collapse
- Turner & Newall collapsed in 2001 amid asbestos litigation in the United Kingdom and United States.
- Reported health concerns
- Respiratory distress, asbestosis, lung cancer and other serious illnesses
- Government response
- The UK government called the claims truly shocking and said UK companies should respect human rights and the environment.
