February 22nd, 2008

This week saw the first recall of a holiday season toy due to high levels of asbestos. More than a month ago, an asbestos advocacy group released results of asbestos tests, showing some toys contained the dangerous substance.

After an independent study was released almost a month ago, the first toy recall of the season has been handed in Connecticut. The recalled toy was manufactured in China, but was not deemed unsafe due to lead levels. This time, asbestos was the culprit and Connecticut is the fist state to halt the sale and embargo of the product. The toy, a child’s fingerprinting kit, was one of dozens of items available to children in the independent study.

The danger is real, since asbestos exposure has been linked to both respiratory and cancer-causing illnesses. Breathing in asbestos fibers has been known to cause emphysema, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a type of deadly lung cancer. When asbestos is disturbed, it can be inhaled where the particles often become stuck in the body. When the asbestos particles stick to the lining of the lungs, they keep the tissue from absorbing oxygen, which leads to mesothelioma. No other state has yet banned the product, and Connecticut has not mentioned a ban on any of the other items on the list.