CPSC Testing Finds No Asbestos Fibers in Children's Chalk

October 3, 2000
Release # 01-002

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For Immediate Release;
Contact: Russ Rader
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1166

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that it has found no asbestos or "transitional" fibers that may appear like asbestos in children's chalk.

CPSC tested chalk from five manufacturers that represent the majority of the industry. The chalk included blackboard chalk and jumbo-size sidewalk chalk made by Crayola, Prang, Pentech, Curiosity Kits, and Sketch & Scribble. No asbestos fibers were found, and no "transitional" fibers were found.

"Chalk is used by millions of children every day at home and at school," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "This testing was done because with children's products, you have to be extra cautious."

Chalk is not manufactured with talc, a binding agent that is used in some brands of crayons. Talc can sometimes be contaminated with other minerals such as asbestos or "transitional" fibers. CPSC also tested pastels from major manufacturers and found no fibers.

CPSC tested the chalk after reports that chalk and children's crayons may contain asbestos. In June, CPSC released test results that found a trace amount of asbestos and larger amounts of "transitional" fibers in some crayons made by Crayola and Prang. Although CPSC found that the risk of exposure to these fibers was extremely low, as an extra precaution, CPSC asked manufacturers to reformulate their crayons to eliminate the fibers. The manufacturers quickly agreed to reformulate within one year. Because CPSC tests concluded that there was no cause for concern, parents and teachers can continue to use the crayons they have and can continue to purchase crayons currently for sale.

CPSC will continue to monitor crayons, chalk and other children's products to ensure they are safe.