Asbestos in Children's Toys
Concerned that some children’s toys may contain asbestos? Learn more below.
Clay with asbestos
By now, the news that asbestos is dangerous has been broadcast far and wide. But most people still think that asbestos exposure comes only from construction materials. Unfortunately, this is not true. Asbestos was once present in countless everyday consumer items, and has shown up in children’s toys as recently as 2007. Despite being phased out of most products starting in the 1970s, clay is one product that continues to contain asbestos. This is not industrial-grade clay, but common kids modeling clay found in stores and schools all over the country.
Call us at (800) 278-8675 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
In the 1980s, children’s clay distributed by Milton Bradley was recalled because it was found to obtain asbestos. The product was in direct contact with children, regularly used in classrooms for paper-maché and other projects. Sadly, this highly publicized recall did not stop companies from importing asbestos-laced clay. In 2007, three kinds of clay from Ja-Ru Toy Clay tested positive for asbestos, according to government-certified laboratories. Ja-Ru still distributes the clay from China to major toy chains. Another clay to test positive for asbestos was the Art Skills’ Clay Bucket, which uses clay imported from Thailand.
More children’s toys with asbestos
One of the most troubling cases of asbestos in children’s toys was the CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit. Made in China and licensed for US distribution by CBS after its popular CSI science-crime show, the kit contained two types of asbestos in its powders.
Despite the distributers’ claims that the products were safe, asbestos in any form presents a major health hazard.
In some ways, the asbestos contained in these children’s products were caught by chance. Parents and caregivers need to be extra diligent when choosing toys to ensure that children are not exposed to asbestos. Compounding the problem is the fact that although it is known to be dangerous, asbestos is not a banned substance in the United States.
How asbestos can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases
Microscopic asbestos fibers are so small they remain suspended in air for extended periods. When inhaled, they can enter the lungs like tiny spears, making it nearly impossible for the lung’s defenses to remove the fiber. Over time, the affected area becomes irritated and eventually scarred.
Depending on the type of asbestos used and the duration and volume of exposure, breathing in these fibers can cause very serious, and sometimes fatal diseases.
Long term exposure to any form of asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, asbestosis, as well as malignant mesothelioma, a rare but deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Often mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases take decades to appear, so victims may not even be aware that they have been exposed to asbestos until it’s too late.
Mesothelioma attorneys may be able to help you
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease from workplace or home exposure to asbestos, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer immediately. Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.
Asbestos companies knew of the risks of asbestos exposure for decades before the public knew. There are avenues to compensation for their criminal actions. Asbestos attorneys can help.