Crayons and construction paper are common tools of childhood in New Orleans and throughout the United States. Parents trust that these items will be safe for their children. However, a recent report calls the safety of these common items into question.
This the report mentions certain brands of crayons that are distributed in the United States. Amscan Crayons from Party City, Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Crayons and Saban’s Power Rangers Super Megaforce sold at Dollar Tree are the focus of the report. The report revealed that four out of 28 boxes of crayons tested positive for asbestos. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that has shown to cause cancer. Other illnesses like lung disease and mesothelioma have also been linked to exposure to asbestos. Though asbestos is usually only harmful when it breaks down and becomes airborn, some parents have decided to throw away any crayons that have been sold by one of the above mentioned retailers.
This report is yet another example of the importance of product safety. Consumers must be able to rely on the safety of products that are being sold in the marketplace. When product defects lead to consumer injuries, consumers have a right to pursue compensation from the companies that produce and distribute these items. Companies must take the appropriate steps to test their products and add appropriate warnings before placing items into the stream of commerce.
Injured consumers may want to consider seeking the help of a product liability attorney to build a successful case against a large manufacturer. An experienced attorney may be able to analyze the facts of your case to aid in protecting your legal rights.
Source: Popsugar, “Toss Out These Crayons ASAP! They May Contain Asbestos,” Marina Liao, July 9, 2015
