Newspaper report raises concerns about asbestos in crayons

(Seattle-AP) -- Could your children's crayons make them sick?<br><br>The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports two government-certified labs have found asbestos in crayons. That's prompting public-health<br>and

Tuesday, May 23rd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Seattle-AP) -- Could your children's crayons make them sick?

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports two government-certified labs have found asbestos in crayons. That's prompting public-health
and art-industry officials to try to calm fears about possible health risks.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission says it will do its own testing.

The newspaper says the labs found the toxic substance in crayons made by Crayola, Prang and Rose Art. Of 40 crayons tested, 32 were
contaminated above trace levels.

The paper says the asbestos is most likely a contaminant of the talc used to strengthen crayons.

But the findings shed no light on whether there is a public health threat. There are no reports of anyone getting sick from using or making crayons. And manufacturers say they don't believe their products pose a risk.

Experts say asbestos-related illnesses tend to result from exposure to airborne fibers -- usually in an industrial setting.