Safety group warns of toxins in crayons, school supplies

ALBANY, N.Y. — A national consumer group warned Tuesday that some back-to-school products may contain dangerous chemicals.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group sent 27 school supplies it purchased to an independent laboratory to test for chemicals of concern. Most were found to be safe, it said.

“(But) the presence of toxic hazards in school supplies highlights the need for constant vigilance on the part of government agencies and the public to ensure that school supplies containing toxic chemicals are removed from store shelves,” said the nonprofit, founded in 1971.

A few school supplies tested did contain toxins, according to the organization’s report:

❚ Asbestos in Playskool crayons sold at Dollar Tree. Asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma.

❚ Phthalates in Jot brand blue 3-ring binder, also sold at Dollar Tree. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has deemed their levels of phthalates, which can cause birth defects and other health problems, unsafe for children.

❚ Benzene in Board Dudes brand markers, sold on Amazon. The chemical is a known carcinogen linked to various health problems.

Dollar Tree disputed the findings. “We are aware of the report and have since re-verified that each of the listed products successfully passed inspection,” it said.

Hasbro, Playskool’s parent company, said it is investigating the report’s claims.