Asbestos in Crayons, Art Supplies and Toys

In early July, the public learned the results of a study commissioned by the EWG Action Fund which examined materials found in some children’s products.   According to the report, 4 of 28 boxes of imported crayons and 2 of 21 toy crime lab kits were found to contain asbestos.

 

This is not the first time dangers hidden in children’s products, and especially crayons, have come to light. In 2000, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report about asbestos fibers in crayons following an article posted by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that also found asbestos in some crayons. Asbestos is not the only hazardous material that has been associated with crayons. Back in 1994, the CPSC announced a recall of imported crayons due to the presence of lead and lead poisoning hazards.

 

The two toy crime lab kits that contained asbestos both were found in the kits’ fingerprint powders.   Since inhalation exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, its presence in a powder used by children is particularly concerning.

 

“Although many people realize that asbestos is still a hazard in many older homes and buildings, this most recent news reminds us all that even toys and consumer products we think are safe can have hidden hazards,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “For over three decades, EMSL Analytical has been providing testing services to help identify asbestos in consumer products, building materials and environmental samples. These services are available to the general public, consumer advocates, health professionals, government regulators and environmental professionals.”

 

To learn more about EMSL’s asbestos or other hazardous material and indoor air quality testing services, please visit www.AsbestosTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.