1 min read

Asbestos detected in 32,000 construction panels

29/10/2025, 15:22

Norwegian importer R&D Sourcing AS has identified asbestos in 32,000 building boards manufactured in China, prompting a multi-retailer recall affecting approximately 590 customers across 760 orders placed since September 2024.

Three retailers, Elektroimportøren, Right Price Tiles, and Duri Fagprofil, are now recalling the boards, which are used in flooring installations with heating cables. Customers are being notified via SMS and company websites.

“This is both an unfortunate and serious incident,” Åshild Indresøvde, communications director at Elektroimportøren, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

The contamination was discovered during routine quality testing. All sales have been halted, and air quality tests show no airborne asbestos in retail locations. Relevant authorities have been notified, according to NRK.

The boards are manufactured by China’s Daquan Group, which produces both asbestos and asbestos-free versions. The company’s international customer manager told NRK that R&D Sourcing ordered “regular products” without specifying asbestos content.

Handling poses primary risk

Rune Becher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health said this marks the only known case of asbestos-containing building boards sold in Norway in recent years.

The primary danger occurs when the material is damaged or processed. Prolonged exposure can lead to lung disease and cancer.

Boards already embedded in floors need not be removed, though the information should be documented for future sales or renovations.

Becher recommends dust sampling in areas where the boards were handled. If asbestos fibers are detected, cleanup should be performed by certified remediation contractors.