Crayons, err on the side of caution?

"Tests conducted on eight brands of crayons revealed that three of those brands -- Crayola, Prang, and Rose Art -- contained asbestos. Of 40 crayons from the three brands, 80 percent were contaminated above a trace level, according to analyses by two government-certified laboratories. The asbestos is most likely a contaminant of the talc used as a strengthener for paraffin and coloring agents, laboratory officials said."

Sources:
•http://www.commondreams.org/headlines/052300-02.htm
•http://www.education-world.com/a_issues/issues083.shtml

It looks like this information was released in 2000 and I could not find any current information regarding asbestos in crayons.

However, we have decided to not err on the side of caution. Some say you can't be "too picky," however I say why not? When it comes to the health of my child, I will be as picky as I very well please!

I did some research on safer crayons. Because, besides the asbestos, I still would not like the idea of my daughter using crayons from paraffin wax [derived from petroleum].

Here is what I found:

•Crayon Rocks: Crayons made with soy and tinted with mineral powders. Designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles, preparing fingers and hands for handwriting skills. Used by occupational therapists and teachers of children with special needs to develop fine motor skills and provide handwriting practice.

•Beeswax Block Crayons: 8 colors in a sturdy storage tin.

•Beeswax Crayons: Stockmar voluntarily sets their safety standard high: their products conform to food safety levels! The natural transparency of the wax and the lack of additives result in a high degree of opacity like that of watercolours.

• Prang Soy Crayons: This company also makes paraffin crayons, which tested positive for asbestos. So, I would not order until contacting the company to make sure they do not contain traces of asbestos.

•Stubby Pencil Studio: They carry soy crayons plus other eco friendly art supplies.

-heather