Asbestos, a substance known to cause cancer, has been detected in 60 per cent of rangoli powder samples tested in a laboratory in South Korea, raising concerns about the safety of products used during Diwali and other festivals. Indian samples recorded particularly high contamination rates, according to an investigation released by environmental and public health organisations.
The findings were announced on November 5, 2026, by the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) and the Asian Citizens’ Center for Environment and Health (Eco-Health), South Korea. The investigation examined rangoli powder products purchased from online and physical retailers in India, Malaysia and England during October 2026.
According to the findings presented by Yeyong Choi, Director of Eco-Health, all 50 samples collected for the investigation were analysed, of which 30 were found to contain tremolite asbestos. This represents a contamination rate of 60 per cent across the samples tested.
The investigation found that Indian rangoli powder products being sold in a marketplace had contamination detection rates of up to 86.7 per cent. Products marketed sold in a supermarket in East London recorded a detection rate of 67 per cent.
The findings were presented at an international online press conference on November 5, shortly before the beginning of Diwali celebrations, which were scheduled to continue until November 10.
Tremolite asbestos is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The principal health concern associated with contaminated powder products is the possibility that asbestos fibres may become airborne during handling and use and subsequently be inhaled.
The laboratory testing was conducted by ISSA Engineering, an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labour and Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.
The research was undertaken following a recall in New Zealand in June 2026 involving five rangoli products found to contain asbestos. The latest investigation was intended to examine whether similar contamination was present in products available in other markets.
Rangoli powder is traditionally used to create decorative patterns at the entrances of homes, courtyards and public spaces during Diwali and other festivals. Its use is widespread in India and several other Asian countries, as well as among Asian diaspora communities in different parts of the world. The findings have therefore raised questions about the safety of products commonly used in household and community celebrations.
Responding to the investigation, the participating organisations made recommendations to consumers and governments. Their advice to consumers was categorical: “STOP” using artificial and mineral-based rangoli powder. They also called on governments to issue public health alerts and undertake an urgent investigation of all rangoli products available in the market.
The organisations involved in the research include the Asian Citizens’ Center for Environment and Health (Eco-Health), South Korea; the Asian Ban Asbestos Network (ABAN); the Ban Asbestos Network Korea (BANKO); the Occupational and Environmental Health Network of India (OEHNI); the Health and Safety Advisory Centre, Malaysia; and the Asbestos-Free Malaysia Network.
The investigation has brought attention to the need for product testing and regulatory oversight, particularly in countries where rangoli powders are widely sold and used. The detection of asbestos in samples purchased from different markets also raises questions about the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing practices and the safety standards applied to decorative products.
The organisations have called for government authorities to investigate the products and take appropriate measures to protect consumers. The findings are particularly relevant to India, where rangoli is an integral part of Diwali celebrations and the products are widely available through retail shops and online platforms.
The report, titled "Safe Festivals: Beware Asbestos Exposure", was released by the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat on November 5, 2026, with supporting research from Eco-Health and other participating organisations.
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