Deadly Substance Found in Crayons and Other Kids’ Toys

Deadly asbestos fibers have been found in several brands of children’s crayons and detective kits through a scientific analysis released Wednesday. The study of the kids’ products, by the EWG Action Fund, part of the national nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG), was a follow-up to previous ones done in both 2000 and 2007, in an effort to discover whether manufacturers had stopped using asbestos. Instead, a lab report found trace elements of the toxin in four types of crayons.

Be very careful about what you buy your kids. It seems like this stuff happens a lot and it's usually a Chinese company. What gives? Is their quality control that crappy? Is it intentional?
LINK

a reply to: Skid Mark It seems to be a by-product of talc or that asbestos is found near where talc is mined. Either way, stores should go with Crayola who removed talc in crayons or the parent company should demand a lab report from the selling company that the product is asbestos-free or not do business with them.

Crayola does cost about 3x more for no apparent reason, there must be products out there that cost less and can be asbestos free. Laziness on the part of the manufacturer, the seller and the FDA.

a reply to: Skid Mark

Once again thanks a lot China our kids appreciate your steadfast position on safety procedures and deep concerns for their safety .

a reply to: Skid Mark

This is so sad.

While reading about the suspected links between vaccines and autism recently, I came across an article that also linked asbestos exposure with autism. I wish I remember where I read it -- I'm not finding it with a quick search. As I recall, the article focused on building materials containing asbestos, but I would think crayons would sure expose/affect alot more kids. Especially if daycares and schools are using cheaper crayons to stretch their budget.

originally posted by: reldra
Crayola does cost about 3x more for no apparent reason...

Part is brand recognition and part is they are mostly made in the United States.

a reply to: reldra

I think it was laziness. You'd think there would be a department where they mine it that checks the quality of the material being mined, especially since it's near asbestos.

a reply to: Greathouse

It's either toys or pet products. If I was more paranoid I'd think it was part of a silent war. It happens at least once a year.

a reply to: Boadicea

If you find it you could write a thread. I'd be interested in reading it. As for kids being affected, I wouldn't doubt it; considering the fact that kids put things in their mouths a lot.

originally posted by: Skid Mark
a reply to: Greathouse

It's either toys or pet products. If I was more paranoid I'd think it was part of a silent war. It happens at least once a year.

They have also begun to branch out. Are you forgetting the radioactive drywall and the toxic flooring ?

originally posted by: Skid Mark
a reply to: Boadicea

If you find it you could write a thread. I'd be interested in reading it. As for kids being affected, I wouldn't doubt it; considering the fact that kids put things in their mouths a lot.

That might make a good thread. When I saw the asbestos-autism link, it made me wonder just how many substances may be causing autism. There are sure enough toxins in the environment to do so.

I will have to do more research, but thank you for the suggestion. It's a good idea!

This exactly why if I have a choice.

I will not purchase items made in China.
Even if the item not made in China costs more.

The risk of contamination from items made in China is too great for me to risk it with food items, pet items, or anything made for children. When it comes to food and pet and children's items, I will not purchase the item at all even if there is another choice on the shelves. I will go to another store until I find the item, preferably made in the USA, secondarily, any country but China.

I may not be the only one who has made this personal decision
based on the constant and consistent contamination of items made
in China being made public.

There are surely other people like me, which may be a micro reason for the collapse of their economy.

a reply to: Greathouse

I didn't know about the drywall but knew about the flooring. Damn, it really is like a silent war. Kill us or ruin a generation through toxic materials and they don't have to fire a shot.

originally posted by: reldra
a reply to: Skid Mark It seems to be a by-product of talc or that asbestos is found near where talc is mined. Either way, stores should go with Crayola who removed talc in crayons or the parent company should demand a lab report from the selling company that the product is asbestos-free or not do business with them.

Crayola does cost about 3x more for no apparent reason, there must be products out there that cost less and can be asbestos free. Laziness on the part of the manufacturer, the seller and the FDA.

I found a talcum arrowhead once, no chafing on entry!

On a serious note though, I'm pretty sure you've gotta do everything short of rollin around in asbestos for it really have any effects right?
Not sure a couple fibers in a crayon would do anything, not saying that's acceptable though, but on that scale there's far worse things the young'uns often get into.

a reply to: grandmakdw

I always check labels to see where stuff is made and what's in it. I even do it for pet products because I'm picky about what my dogs eat or play with.

originally posted by: grandmakdw
There are surely other people like me, which may be a micro reason for the collapse of their economy.

Plenty, and I am one as well.

I have no issue paying more for quality.

One person asked why does this always seem to happen with China?
Because China is experimenting, actually engaging in
controlled Capitalism
(a form of socialism).

This is where the government is deeply involved
in making sure the company employs (x)
number of people and does not go under and succeeds.
For what they feel is the benefit of the society as a whole.

Which accounts for ghost cities,
production for the sake of production
to keep people employed.

As a result companies are under a lot of pressure
to produce quickly and at the lowest cost possible
to get the highest return possible, thus employing more
people and therefore benefiting society as a whole.

This leads managers to sweep under the rug
known contaminants, hazards, and problems
in hopes they won't be caught.

Because to point out a problem would mean
a halt in production,
causing the employees to be out of work
while the plant is shut down,
or to wait for uncontaminated basic supplies.

This in turn can get a manager fired or "reeducated"
or censured by the government for creating unemployment
and bringing shame to the country.

a reply to: grandmakdw

That reminds me of a story I heard years back. I'm not sure if it's true or not. Supposedly, some workers made a huge mistake when making refrigerators. Government officials found out and took the managers and executed them for not catching the mistake.

a reply to: Greathouse

I think I might be evil because I find the idea of radioactive drywall hilarious.

a reply to: Autorico

Why is that? Because it might glow in the dark?

originally posted by: Skid Mark
a reply to: grandmakdw

That reminds me of a story I heard years back. I'm not sure if it's true or not. Supposedly, some workers made a huge mistake when making refrigerators. Government officials found out and took the managers and executed them for not catching the mistake.

I have heard the same sort of stories.

This is what happens when the government controls the economy.