Washington, D.C. (May 12, 2015) – EWG Action Fund today filed Freedom of Information requests with the federal Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission seeking information on undisclosed asbestos contamination in consumer goods.

“American asbestos mining stopped years ago, but a mounting body of evidence indicates that asbestos still contaminates some consumer products,” EWG Action Fund staff attorney Reade Wilson said. “We want to know what federal agencies know, what they are doing, and, if they’re not doing anything – why not?”

Over the years, tests have found asbestos in samples of consumer goods made with talc. Talc is a commonly mined mineral that is sometimes found near asbestos deposits. Last month, a California jury awarded nearly $13 million to a woman who contracted mesothelioma, a disease that is always fatal, from a talcum powder product once made by Colgate-Palmolive.

In 2007, asbestos was found in a children’s fingerprinting kit. Major retailers pulled the toy from store shelves after EWG and others demanded action.

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 EWG Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that is a separate sister organization of the Environmental Working Group. The mission of EWG Action Fund is to protect health and the environment by educating the public and lobbying on a wide range of environmental issues. Donations to EWG Action Fund are not tax-deductible.