As parents prepare for their child to go back to school, the last thing on their minds should be if the school supplies they are purchasing are dangerous. However, they could be. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) discovered asbestos fibers present in Playskool crayons.
About Asbestos
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies six types of asbestos minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Although all commercial forms of asbestos are carcinogenic, there are differences in their chemical compositions.
Asbestos once filled countless U.S. homes and businesses in the form of insulation and heat-protecting materials. Throughout the construction boom following WWII, asbestos was a key element in thousands of industrial and household products, including drywall, wiring, glues, and adhesives, ceiling tiles, cement, and shingles.
Some of these asbestos products remain in old structures and are usually harmless. This is as long as no one disturbs the substance. Workers usually were exposed to the harmful natural mineral while on the job, but others, including their family members, also faced secondary exposures at home and environmental exposures in communities that mined or processed asbestos.
Asbestos School Supplies
Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) tested six types of crayons for asbestos, and one tested positive for tremolite. This was the Playskool crayons (36 count) from Dollar Tree. The green crayon had the highest level of asbestos. Unfortunately, this is not the first time asbestos has been in school supplies. In 2015, the Environmental Working Group Action Fund found asbestos, lead, benzene, and other carcinogenic and toxic substances in a variety of school supplies including crayons, and binders. Dollar Tree, Costco, and Amazon sold these deadly products.
Without an outright ban, lethal asbestos fibers will still be in products. After PIRG notified Playskool of its findings, the company said the crayons passed regulatory standards. Therefore, they won’t remove the substance from crayons, and children will be exposed to the deadly carcinogen.
If Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
A Complex Litigation attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is critical when seeking help to cover your asbestos-related expenses. Our experienced lawyers are familiar with companies that used asbestos and know which job sites had a significant amount of asbestos use. Also, they know which products contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral.
Also, consultations are completely free, confidential and have no obligation. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. Our team of attorneys has been recognized as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Others in the industry seek out our award-winning staff for our knowledge on complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies and trial tactics.
Most of all, our law office is resourceful and dedicated to pursuing any compensation you are due. Because of this, we have also received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. In fact, we will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.