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Traces of Asbestos Found in Crayons

You might want to think again before buying your child's crayons or toys online as they might have been contaminated with asbestos.  Last Wednesday, a report was released stating that several known brands of children's crayons and detective kits have been found to contain asbestos fibers.  The crayons, that were made in China by a company named Amscan, and the two science kits for children are being sold online in Australia.  None of these products seem to be sold over the counter. 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Action Fund partnered with two independent laboratories has identified four brands of crayons and the two crime scene kits that are positive with traces of asbestos.  These brands of crayons are: Amscan Crayons, Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Crayons, Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Crayons and Saban's Power Rangers Super Megaforce Crayons.  On the other hand, the traces of asbestos were found in the black fingerprint powder in the Edu Science Deluxe Forensics Lab Kit, while the white fingerprint power from the Inside Intelligence Secret Spy Kit was positive with asbestos contaminants.

Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg, a pediatrician said on the American show, Fox and Friends Weekend, "There is no safe level of asbestos for anyone. It is toxic. It does cause cancer and can cause lung cancer. And it's microscopic, the fibers. So if you inhale them, you don't even know they're in these products."

Furthermore, asbestos is known to cause lung problems such as inflammation and scarring in the lung tissues.  So if you have any of the above items or anything that has asbestos, you must get rid of it right away.  Exposure to this inhalable microscopic material increases the risk of lung cancer.  Common symptoms of asbestos related illness includes persistent coughing, difficulty in breathing and chest pains. These symptoms may be a sign of illness not related to asbestos exposure but as soon as your child shows these signs, see a doctor immediately.


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