This report will be released at an online International press conference
on Nov 5, Thursday, 2026: 
at 10 AM UK time, 
at 3:30 PM India time, 
at 3:45 PM Nepal time, 
at 6 PM Malaysia time, 
at 7 PM Korea time, 

Here you can join the online press meeting through a zoom link. 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/74134857419?pwd=DbcFshvbFuBua9EIGNofzGMjErkgbO.1

You can download the Report 516 ppt file, please click here. 
https://www.eco-health.org/bbs/board.php?bo_table=sub02_04&wr_id=555 

Please refer this report after the press conference. 

Press Release                                                                                                                         November 5, 2026

Safe Festivals: Beware Asbestos Exposure

Seoul, Korea: It was reported today that asbestos contamination had been found in the majority of samples of Rangoli powder tested by a laboratory in Seoul, South Korea.[1] The five Rangoli powder products analyzed had been obtained from online and physical shop retailers in India, Malaysia and England in October 2026. Rangoli powder is a traditional ingredient for Diwali celebrations and other festivities throughout Asian countries and the diaspora. Diwali celebrations this year are due to begin tomorrow and continue until November 10.

The scientific research was undertaken following the June 2026 asbestos recall in New Zealand of five Rangoli products.^[2] At today’s online press briefing, Yeyong Choi, Director of the Asian Citizens’ Center for Environmental Health (Eco-Health), South Korea announced the results of the investigations:

“All 50 samples of Rangoli obtained were analyzed; 30 were found to contain tremolite asbestos, a Group 1 carcinogen. There was a very high asbestos detection rate: 60% of all samples tested were contaminated. The worst affected were the Indian samples sold under the brand name Ascension which had detection rates of up to 86.7%. English samples marketed by the brand “Food Factory” and sold in an East London supermarket had a 67% detection rate. Pursuant to these findings, recommendations were made to consumers and governments about the potential health hazards posed by using this mineral-based product.”[3]

For more details on the background to this testing, the protocols used and the results obtained please see additional information at the link cited below.^[4] This research was conceived and implemented by a coalition of Asian groups representing asbestos victims and NGOs working on environmental, consumer and health-related issues. ^[5]

Notes to Editors

For additional details, please contact Yeyong Choi, Director of the Asian Citizens’ Center for Environmental Health (Eco-Health), South Korea: mobile +82-10-3458-7488 (WhatsApp) or email: choiyy@kfem.or.kr