Advocacy group warns about crayons sold at Dollar Tree found to contain asbestos

MILWAUKEE -- The U.S. Public Interest Research Group is warning parents and teachers shopping for school supplies about "trace amounts" of asbestos found in crayons sold at Dollar Tree. The Chicago Tribune is reporting they are also available at Amazon.com.

In a news release on their website, USPIRG.org, they noted that asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It has recently been found in other children's products such as makeup.

USPIRG officials are encouraging parents and teachers to look for a "non-toxic" label on products -- or to check a guide they put together that "advises consumers which products are actually non-toxic and which to avoid."

USPIRG's Education Fund tested dozens of school supplies, including markers, crayons, dry erase markers, glue, 3-ring binders, spiral notebooks, lunchboxes and water bottles. We found several supplies containing asbestos, lead, benzene and other dangerous chemicals.

In addition to the crayons, here is what they found, according to the release:


    In the release, USPIRG's executive director called on the makers of these unsafe products to "get rid of toxic chemicals to protect American schoolchildren."

    CLICK HERE for USPIRG's full safe shopping guide.