news

Warning: ACCC advises that asbestos has been found in children's crayons.

The crayons, which were imported from overseas, were sold in Dora the Explorer, Peppa Pig and Disney packaging.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a statement urging people not to panic after tests revealed that a number of children’s crayons imported from overseas contained traces of asbestos.

The ACCC became aware that the wax crayons – which were sold in Disney, Dora the Explorer, Arti Craft and Peppa Pig packaging – may have had levels of asbestos present in July and have now confirmed that testing has identified traces of asbestos in a number of products.

Click through for the crayons the ACCC has identified as having traces of asbestos.

 

Although the ACCC does not believe that the level of asbestos present in the crayons presents a safety risk to consumers, workplace safety obligations have been triggered in light of the discovery and suppliers have been instructed to stop selling the contaminated crayons and to offer customer an exchange or refund.

So what should you do if you believe you might have brought the crayons in question?

1. Don’t panic.

Although the ACCC acknowledges that any level of asbestos is unacceptable, as the asbestos is fixed within the crayon the risk of inhalation or ingestion has been diminished.

The Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) Imported Materials With Asbestos Working Group Rapid Response Protocol  has been triggered and authorities are working to establish the presence of asbestos in workplaces (such as retail outlets and schools).

2. Return or dispose of the crayons.

The ACCC advises that consumers who believe they may have the contaminated crayons should either return or dispose of the product. The ACCC told News Corp that they have not recalled the products in question as it is not believed that the crayons pose a safety risk.

The response protocol that has been triggered has led state and territory authorities to contact suppliers to make them aware of their obligation to both remove the stock and also to establish collection points for customers returning the products.

ADVERTISEMENT
Peppa Pig 8 Wax Crayons
These Peppa Pig crayons are amongst those found to have traces of asbestos. Image via ACCC.

If you are returning the crayons back to the supplier, it is asked that you place the crayons in a ziplock bag or a plastic bag sealed with a knot in their original packaging.  If you wish to dispose of the crayons, it is asked that you take them to your nearest authorised asbestos dumping facility. You can find where your nearest dumping facility is on the ASEA website.

3. Stay updated.

Senator Eric Abetz has said that the Australian Border Force has halted the imports of crayons from China.

The ACCC has said that they will continue to test products that may be contaminated and will share the results of any future testing with the community and possible suppliers as that information becomes available.

If you are concerned about the safety of imported products, you can contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on 1800 009 623.