There were a couple of instances here in PA, where paper mills sprayed carcinogenic dioxin/furan - byproducts of chlorine-bleaching of pulp - on to mulches, and sold the mulch to an unknowing prblic. Children, pets and adults developed tumors and died.
I exposed it in 1994-95, with documents from States of MD & PA personnel/studies/medical records, but media and state AGs ignored it, since paper mills were very large advertisers and political contributors. I got death threats, began carrying CCW everyday, but the case went down a rabbit hole.
The mulch companies were closed, but liability was zeroed-out for huge paper mills.
That is a coincidence that you bring up mulch. I just ordered 100 bags of it to be delivered next week, and one of the first things the guy told me was that it was safe for kids/pets. I never thought about it NOT being safe.
Thanks for doing what you did.....but sorry it didn't work out and caused you grief.