The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a voluntary recall of certain Crayola crayon products due to the presence of asbestos, a known human carcinogen. The recall affects over 21 million crayons sold in the United States and Canada between 2018 and 2022.
According to the CPSC, the affected products were manufactured by Hallmark Cards Inc., which later sold its Crayola division to Crayola LLC in 2017. The recalled products include 18 different crayon colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
The recall was initiated after a customer reported finding asbestos in their child’s Crayola crayon. Following an investigation, the CPSC detected the presence of asbestos in several samples of the affected products.
“We take the safety and well-being of children very seriously,” said Chairman J. Joel Breitenbach of the CPSC. “The presence of asbestos in these products is a concern that requires immediate action.”
The CPSC is urging consumers to stop using the recalled products immediately and keep them out of reach of children. The agency also advises parents and caregivers to check their crayon collections for any of the affected colors.
Crayola LLC has confirmed the recall and is working with the CPSC to ensure that all affected products are removed from store shelves and disposed of properly.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause and appreciate the cooperation of our customers,” said a spokesperson for Crayola LLC. “We take full responsibility for the contamination and are committed to providing safe and high-quality products for children.”
The CPSC has also issued guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators on how to safely dispose of the recalled products.
“The safety of children is our top priority,” said Dr. Ann Marie Gallagher, director of the CPSC’s Office of Science and Technology Policy. “We urge everyone to take immediate action to remove these products from their homes and schools.”
The recall affects the following Crayola crayon products:
* 18-color crayon box (part number: 211-1102)
* 24-count crayon pack (part number: 211-1111)
* 36-count crayon pack (part number: 211-1113)
Consumers can check their products by looking for the “UPC” code, which is usually located on the back or bottom of the packaging. Affected products have a UPC code that starts with “8”.
The CPSC recommends that consumers return the recalled products to Crayola LLC for a full refund.
Stay informed with headlines.com