Asbestos In Crayons

General information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

On June 13, 2000 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released results of tests on crayons after concerns were raised about asbestos in some popular brands. CPSC found a trace amount of asbestos in two Crayola crayons made by Binney and Smith and one Prang crayon made by Dixon Ticonderoga. However, the amount of asbestos is so small it is scientifically insignificant.

In Crayola crayons and Prang crayons, CPSC also found larger amounts of another fiber, called "transitional" fiber, which is similar in appearance to asbestos fiber. While there are potential concerns about these fibers if children are exposed to them, CPSC tests concluded that the risk a child would be exposed to the fibers either through inhalation or ingestion is extremely low and there is no scientific basis for a recall.

CPSC tests concluded that there is no cause for concern. Parents and teachers can continue to use the crayons they have and purchase crayons from store shelves. Transitional fibers can be found in talc, which is used as a binding agent in some crayons. Talc is a mineral that can be found with many other types of minerals in some rock formations.

As a precaution, because crayons are intended for use by children, CPSC asked industry to reformulate crayons using substitute ingredients. Binney and Smith and Dixon Ticonderoga quickly volunteered to reformulate within a year to eliminate the fibers. Rose Art, which has only a small percentage of crayons made with talc, also agreed to reformulate.

The risk of exposure to the fibers from using crayons is low. In a simulation of a child vigorously coloring with a crayon for half an hour, no fibers were found in the air. The risk of exposure by eating crayons is also low because the fibers are imbedded in wax and pass through a child's body. However, CPSC concluded that these fibers should not be in children's crayons in the long term.

"Where children are concerned, you have to be extra cautious," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "The risk is low but the concerns with these fibers should not be ignored. I'm pleased that all the major manufacturers, including Crayola, Prang and Rose Art went the extra mile to allay concerns about these fibers."

The CPSC tests were conducted by a government lab and a private lab to see whether consistent results would be obtained. Both labs had similar results. The sophisticated testing included analysis of the fibers through light refraction and visual examination through an electron microscope. CPSC will continue to monitor children's crayons to make sure they are safe.

EPA Statement and Q&As pm Asbestos in Crayon

While the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has primary responsibility for crayons and other such consumer products, EPA is concerned about any product that may pose a significant risk from asbestos exposure, particularly products that are used by children. CPSC is beginning an independent review of crayons to determine if they contain asbestos and EPA will be working with them to take whatever actions that may be necessary to ensure that these products are safe for our children.

Q. Does EPA believe that the crayons our children use are safe from asbestos?

A. At this time, EPA has not had an opportunity to review the findings of the tests that were conducted. CPSC is beginning their own independent testing of these products to determine if there is, in fact, a risk from asbestos.

Q. If these results are verified and asbestos -- even at very low levels -- is found in children's crayons, what should be done?

A. While extremely low levels of asbestos in crayons may not pose much of an actual risk to children, any exposure would be unnecessary. We believe that the companies that manufacture crayons will move swiftly to replace the talc in crayons with substances that don't pose any risks to children. If they do not, EPA and CPSC will work together to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that these products are safe for your children.

Q. With the growing concern about asbestos in consumer products, what actions will EPA take?

A. At present, EPA is reviewing a number of products that may contain asbestos and stands ready to address the risks that may be identified. Actions could range from the dissemination of consumer information regarding products to potential regulatory controls.

Information on the Consumer Product Safety Commission

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, you can go to CPSC's forms page and use the first on-line form on that page. Or, you can call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or send the information to info@cpsc.gov. Consumers can obtain press releases and recall information from CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov or by calling the hotline or sending your request to info@cpsc.gov. You can also subscribe to CPSC's email subscription list which normally sends all press releases the day they are issued.