Asbestos suspected in 'CSI' fingerprint kit

Kids who want to play CSI can use a kit that shows how to dust for fingerprints, blowing away excess powder in the process. The play dust, however, contains enough asbestos to trigger cancer later in life, according to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, which tracks toxic ingredients in consumer products.

Watchdog groups call hidden asbestos the crime in this scene.

(Credit: Planet Toys)

The powder was found to contain as much as 7 percent of tremolite, one the most fatal forms of asbestos. One-time exposure has been linked with developing lung disease and mesothelioma years or decades later. The toxicant was found in six of eight samples tested by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization during a five-month examination that also found asbestos in toy clay.

The maker of the CSI kit, which is produced in China, said it performed its own tests and found no asbestos. The package continues to be sold for between $10 and $30 at eToys, Toys R Us, and other merchants.

Tests released by other nonprofit environmental groups Wednesday found lead, arsenic, and other toxic chemicals in more than one-third of 1,200 popular toys, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Some consumer advocacy groups believe that lead appearing in jewelry and children's toys made in China may originate from circuit boards and other parts of discarded electronics.

Such news may lead parents to worry about a world more dangerous than the one in which they grew up, as today's playthings can harm children's health or just addle their attention. Toys of the past, like the Zulu toy gun, may have been more obviously hazardous, but hidden toxic ingredients are harder to measure.

[ihk88]

asbestos in CSI kit

one time exposure to asbestos linked to cancer is a bull, created by those litigation lawyers and environmental terrorists. it takes years of exposure to asbestos dust(you can see from film footage fr Manville) not from one time or few times. Those environmentalists and litigation lawyers are creating paranoia for their benefit.

[spstanley]

No, it only takes once, much like getting pregnant. Each time you're exposed to asbestos particles, there's a chance asbestos will lodge in your lung. Once it does, you can begin to develop cancer. But if you're very lucky, you'll exhale the particles. Some particles lodge more easily than others due to their shape.

[Ripper2k]

Asbestos is extremely dangerous

I don't know where that idiot got his info but it only takes 1 time exposure from asbestos to cause cancer. For me being in the military if anyone is exposed to asbestos they are automatically put into a database for future treatment in case of health issues when the individual leaves the military. If asbestos was harmless they would still continue using it in the water pipes that provide your water....

[bestoman]

Asbestos in water pipes

I've got news for you, pal. Asbestos-cement pipes are still used for water transmission in municipal systems. Also, the concept of one time exposure to asbestos causing cancer has neither been confirmed or denounced.

[apw76006]

One banana, two banana, three banana, four...

Does it really matter how many exposures it takes to develop this disease or that disease? If this kit or any other toy on the market contains anything that is toxic/potentially toxic to the kiddos, get it off the shelves.

[Ripper2k]

My Point exactly

That was my point you dummy. The guy was trying to say asbestos was not dangerous I was saying it was. It does matter the amount of exposure. You will be more incline to get it off the shelves if it posed an immediate threat compared to something that might be dangerous after prolong exposure. I know from experience that a single asbestos fiber in the lungs causes cancer. It can not be removed. And it is known for not showing signs of illness for years/decades. China can always claim anything they want because of asbestos ability not to show signs of illness for years.

[ihk88]

asbestos and cancer

response to ripper2k' comment, i am a physician and board certified, certified by specialty group by AMA. At least, i have more knowledge and understanding about truth or paranoia.

[harrys daughter]

Asbestos is a killer

Asbestos in anything should be taken seriously. My father died of asbestos exposure (Mesothelioma), and now to find out my children have been playing with a toy that contains asbestos. I am outraged. Whom ever thinks it's bull and calls others idoits has no clue(idoit). Talk aloud when you have lived through someone you love dies of asbestos. Untill then help get it out of our childrens toys!