EPA probes Wal-Mart's Silly String sales

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is asking Wal-Mart whether it sold Silly String, a child's toy, and similar products that might contain chemicals damaging to the ozone layer, the world's largest retailer said Tuesday.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. disclosed the EPA request in the retailer's annual financial report, which includes a detailed breakdown of its dealings with environmental regulators.

Wal-Mart spokesman John Simley said he believed the EPA is also contacting other retailers who may have sold canned string that might use an ozone-damaging gas as a propellent

An EPA spokeswoman said she could not immediately comment on the request.

Wal-Mart said in its annual report that it received an EPA request in February seeking detailed information about "nonessential products containing ozone-depleting substances including products such as Loony String" which Wal-Mart may have sold or distributed since January 1, 2002.

In March, the EPA sent a revised letter limiting its request to "string products including Loony String, Silly String and Fiesta String" for the period from 2004 to the present.

"Wal-Mart is in the process of gathering the information requested," the company said.