In late 2007, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) discovered that asbestos-contaminated toys had hit the shelves of thousands of toy stores across the country. In particular, CSI’s fingerprint examination kit, which was made in China, was found to contain asbestos in its shiny white powder.
While production of the toy has ceased, a New York Times article in April 2008 details the almost forgotten incident. The ADAO has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against CBS Corporation, Planet Toys Inc. (makers of the CSI fingerprint test kit) and various retailers for their involvement in the sale of the asbestos-contaminated toy. Families affected by the contaminated toy should also consider litigation over exposure to “substantial amounts of tremolite asbestos.”
The ADAO has also continued testing other products and has found several that contain asbestos, including additional children’s toys.
ADAO is an organization that uses volunteers, several of whom have been directly affected by asbestos-related illnesses or have seen friends and family suffer from the illnesses, including mesothelioma. The ADAO acts as an asbestos watchdog, although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually regulates the legality of asbestos violations.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is considered a human carcinogen by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and is a “naturally fibrous silicate mineral,” according to the EPA. Asbestos becomes deadly when bundles of microscopic fibers come together and are transported through the air.
When inhaled, the results can be deadly and seriously damage a person’s body through the development of mesothelioma cancer. In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos can cause lung cancer or asbestosis, in which fibrous tissue leaves scars in the lungs.
The mined asbestos was used in a variety of industries, according to the EPA:
* thermal / acoustic insulator used for fire protection
* roofing and cladding tiles made with asbestos cement
* textured paint and patching compounds used in wall and ceiling joints
* Ashes and artificial embers for gas fireplaces
* stove pads
* vinyl tiles, floors and adhesives
* Asbestos blanket or tape for hot water and steam pipes
* oil and coal furnaces
Toys for children affected by asbestos
Tracing asbestos can be a difficult process because it is often overlooked, especially since it is no longer a common ingredient in product manufacturing, although it was at one point. The ADAO has been testing thousands of products for asbestos contamination in toys and regular products. Currently, they have determined that several toys had traces of asbestos, including:
* CSI fingerprint examination kit
* Ja-Ru Toy Clay (found among three varieties of the product)
* Art Skills clay cube (asbestos found in six clay colors)
Additionally, there are several other products that the ADAO found with traces of asbestos that are not directly related to children’s toys, but could still affect a child’s health. Even baby powder has been claimed to contain asbestos fibers. Other products that have been found to have asbestos contamination, according to the ADAO, include:
* High-performance, all-weather Scotch duct tapes
* DAP Crack Shot Putty Paste
* DAP 33 window glazing
* Gardner leak plug
The organization also found that curlers, hot plates, powdered cleaners and small appliances were at risk of negatively impacting public health with asbestos fibers. The organization noted that all of these products are sold in national retail chains, including:
* Walmart
* Costco
* Toys R Us
* House deposit
* Lowe’s
* Macy’s
* Bed Bath & Beyond
* CVS
Consumer Affairs, a web-based consumer news and resource center, issued the following tips to help parents, family, and friends shop for children’s toys to better protect children from asbestos exposure . The list includes the following:
* Be an attentive shopper and read all warnings that may include a toy that is broken, contains small parts, or a fire and suffocation hazard.
* Read product reviews made by independent panels and consumers.
* Find information on the most recent product recalls.
* Inspect toys; any toys that are broken must be discarded.
* Research how, where and when a product was created.
What to do if your child is exposed to asbestos
If a child is exposed or may even have been potentially exposed to tremolite-containing asbestos, it is imperative that medical assistance be sought immediately. Due to the nature of asbestos-induced conditions, if a child is exposed to asbestos and is not treated as if all is well, they could develop mesothelioma cancer years later, so immediate medical attention is recommended.
Because asbestos exposure among children is considered extremely avoidable, developing a claim for damages incurred may be a necessary step. Victims should locate an experienced mesothelioma attorney for more information on how to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit.
Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley
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