Are Children Safe from Asbestos Lurking in Their Crayons, Toys?

Recent reports of deadly asbestos discovered in crayons serve as a grim reminder that children may come in contact with the toxic substance where parents least expect it — their toys. Independent tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group Action Fund (EWG) revealed that several toys manufactured in China and imported to the U.S., including crayons and amateur crime lab kits, contained asbestos fibers. "Even if the absolute risk is relatively low, children are more vulnerable to toxic material and carcinogens," said Dr. Richard Lemen, former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General and now a professor at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta. "These are important findings because asbestos is being placed in children's products. And because they are so young, they have a longer latency in which to develop these diseases." Asbestos is a known carcinogen responsible for the development of several deadly respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, which can take 20-50 years to develop after first exposure. But this isn't the first time asbestos is found in children's toys. Over the last several years, investigators found the deadly mineral in other crayons, crime-scene kits and modeling clays. Asbestos in Crayons The microscopic asbestos fibers were found in four of the 28 boxes of crayons that were tested, and two of the 21 crime-scene fingerprint kits. EWG officials commiss...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure & Bans Source Type: news