Crayons That Don’t Put You in a Box

Lives there a child who hasn’t chewed a crayon? Crayons are nibbled so often by the young that they could be considered snack food. That’s why, when some lesser-known brands imported from China were found to contain hazardous levels of lead and were recalled, the reaction of most people was “there oughta be a law.”

As it turns out, there is a federal law--in existence since 1990--forbidding toxic ingredients in any art supplies intended for use by persons under age 12. But the crayons with lead, which enhances colors, were not discovered until a Phoenix infant was poisoned and the Arizona Department of Health Services tracked the source. A spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says enforcement is less stringent during a “transition period” while manufacturers learn the law and adjust. It’s time for the commission to put makers and importers of art supplies on notice: Comply with the law or face punishment.

In the meantime, what’s a parent to do? After all, a major toy chain was unintentionally selling lead-tainted crayons in a box clearly labeled “nontoxic.” One solution is to buy U.S.-made art supplies, because American makers are more likely to be aware of the law. Another is to look for the phrase “Conforms to ASTM D-4236” on the container. Say what?

The product safety commission should use clearer language. When the kids show up with burnt sienna smeared on their teeth, parents shouldn’t have to decipher gibberish to know whether it’s safe.