Posted on August 8, 2018
Utilizing a checklist to inform yourself about the harms of asbestos at your child’s school is a conversation we have had before. However, the discussion of asbestos being found in school supplies and toys is only continuing to build.
In 2015, the presence of asbestos in a number of children’s products from China was confirmed. Earlier this year, U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund found asbestos in Claire’s makeup products. Now, asbestos has been discovered in Playskool crayons. 
Recently, PIRG released their Fall 2018 Safer School Supplies: Shopping Guide – which allows parents, teachers and students to make informed decisions about school supplies they purchase. In this report, it was found that Playskool crayons – sold at Dollar Tree stores, and Amazon.com were found to be contaminated with tremolite – a type of asbestos.
U.S. PIRG Education Fund Toxics Director, recently stated in a PIRG news release: “we’re calling on the makers of unsafe products to get rid of toxic chemicals and protect American schoolchildren.”
The U.S. has not yet banned asbestos and without a ban, it is crucial that parents educate themselves on the available resources and stay in the know with the current asbestos problem.
The EPA recently enacted a rule allowing for new uses of asbestos. Under the Trump Administration, this rule would allow the EPA to approve asbestos manufacturing, importing or processing. As disgusting as it sounds, the EPA is even framing it as an “important action on asbestos.”
We know that asbestos STILL kills and takes the lives of nearly 40,000 Americans each year. Let’s take action to protect our children, public health, and our environment. Sign the: Ban Asbestos in the US Now, Without Loopholes or Exemptions Petition today to demand the EPA do their job and ban asbestos from the U.S.
Together, we will make change happen.
Linda Reinstein
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