Recall of Children’s Crime Lab Toy after Reports of Asbestos Contamination

EMSL Analytical puts almost 30 years of asbestos testing experience to work to keep children’s toys safe.

Westmont, NJ, August 20th, 2009

A great deal of media attention has been given to the problem of lead in children’s toys over the past several years. Concerns over lead are real, but according to a recent report a children’s fingerprinting kit branded from one of the nation’s best known crime television series was recently recalled due to concerns over asbestos. The fingerprint kits were made in China and sold through major retailers during the last several years.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization was the first group to bring to light their concerns of asbestos contamination in the dust used for collecting the fingerprints in the kits. According to reports, instructions included with the kits told children to blow the fine powder after applying it. Doing this aerosolizes the dust and makes it a potential breathing hazard.

The toy manufacturer filed for bankruptcy in New York in March of this year with concerns over class action lawsuits. A number of the retailers who sold and distributed the kits are now offering refunds.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exposure to asbestos increases one’s risk of developing lung cancer. The three major cancers associated with exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Many of these cancers may not appear until many years after exposure.

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest asbestos testing laboratories, has been busy helping companies and the general public test for asbestos in toys and other products. “EMSL has a long history of consumer product testing,” reported Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President for EMSL Analytical. “It’s important that we continue to safeguard our children from asbestos and other dangerous materials through stringent testing procedures,” Frasca continued.

EMSL’s network of nearly 40 laboratories in the United States and Canada has been providing quality analytical services since 1981. To learn more about asbestos testing visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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