Washington, D.C. – An investigation by NBC Channel 4 in Washington, D.C shows that there are small amounts of asbestos in hundreds of the city’s older subway cars, according to documents obtained by reporters Adam Tuss and Scott MacFarlane.

“There is no safe level of asbestos exposure,” said Alex Formuzis, Vice President for Strategic Campaigns at EWG Action Fund and director of its asbestos awareness campaign. “Millions of passengers a year ride these subway cars, not to mention Metro employees, who likely came into much closer contact with the areas where the asbestos is and are likely at greater risk.”

“What is even more shocking than the situation with the Metro is that asbestos still has not been banned in the U.S. and is responsible for up to 15,000 American deaths a year,” added Formuzis.

Leading public health experts as well as the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) agree that there is no such thing as a harmless amount of asbestos.

On its website the federal agency says, “There is no ‘safe’ level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber. Asbestos exposures as short in duration as a few days have caused mesothelioma in humans.”

Many Americans think asbestos has been banned, but in fact it remains legal and is still used in certain U.S. industries. EWG Action Fund researchers reported earlier this year that more than 8 million pounds of asbestos has been imported since 2006.

Asbestos is still found in older buildings, homes and schools, and contaminates some consumer products, including children’s toys. 

###

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.

###

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.