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Lesson Plans


RE: Binney Asbestos Statement

From: Kimberly Herbert (kimberly)
Date: Wed May 24 2000 - 19:44:08 PDT

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    Thanks, Judy I will print this out for our parents. I've already had
    inquiries.

    Kimberly Herbert (kimberly)
    CAM Administrator
    San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts/Children's Art Museum

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Nagel, Judy [JNagel]
    Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 5:04 PM
    To: ArtsEdNet Talk
    Subject: Binney Asbestos Statement

    Hi All: Here is a statement from the people at Binney & Smith regarding
    the recent discussion about asbestos. I hope this helps.
     Judy Nagel

    May 24, 2000

    Dear Crayola Customer;

    Recent reports aired in the news media have indicated that Crayola crayons
    might be unsafe for consumers. The intent of my letter is to reassure you
    that Crayola crayons, a trusted icon for nearly 100 years, do not pose a
    health concern, are non-toxic and are in compliance with all applicable
    federal standards.

    The report mentioned that talc ~ an ingredient we use to strengthen our
    crayons ~ contains asbestos. Suppliers of talc to Binney & Smith have
    certified that the talc is asbestos free. In addition, independent
    toxicologist Dr. Woodhall Stopford at Duke University Medical Center has
    evaluated the raw materials used in Crayola crayons using standards
    consistent with the consumer Products Safety Commission, OSHA and the
    Department of Interior Bureau of Mines. Dr. Stopford confirms that Crayola
    crayons are asbestos free.

    We have also requested the lab test results from the Seattle newspaper ~
    where the story originated ~ to determine how and why its findings differ
    from other studies ensuring that Crayola crayons are asbestos free. We are
    aware there are different testing methods used by different research
    organizations when checking for the presence of asbestos.

    Binney & Smith remains committed to providing products of the highest
    quality for its customers and consumers. Although we already adhere to all
    safety standards issued by regulatory agencies that govern our industry ~
    and based on those standards our crayons pose no health risk ~ we have begun
    to review the talc used in Crayola crayons and will use all information
    provided as part of our review. If the experts, regulators and evidence
    indicate a reason to modify ingredients used in making crayons, we will do
    so.

    If you have questions or concerns regarding this issue, please contact Ellyn
    Scott at 610-253-6272 Ext. 6200. If your consumers have questions, please
    direct them to our Consumer Affairs toll-free number at 1-800-CRAYOLA.

    We look forward to continuing to provide you with the highest quality
    children's art materials in the marketplace.

    Sincerely,

    Al Hunyadi Stan Strauss
    Chief Operating Officer Vice President &
    General Manager
    Binney & Smith Inc.
    Institutional Products Division

    jnagel 

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