Popular Toy Contains Asbestos
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July 13, 2009
Nashville, Tenn. - Some toys based on the popular "CSI" television series are contaminated with asbestos. The toxic contents have been confirmed in the mock "fingerprint powder" found in the "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Fingerprint Examination Kit" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Forensic Lab Kit."
Victoria Ni, staff attorney for the public interest law firm Public Justice, says the organization filed a class action lawsuit against the kits' manufacturer, Planet Toys, for using a form of asbestos known as tremolite.
"All forms of asbestos are dangerous, but tremolite is one of the deadliest forms."
The amount of asbestos in the kits is thought to be very slight, but the toys should be removed from homes, says Ni. A Web site has been created - at www.csitoysettlement.com - that contains details about safe disposal of the kits, as well as information about how to obtain a refund. The refund process is time-sensitive, Ni adds.
"Your claims form has to be received by the claims administrator by January 14, 2010. You have about six months to get the paperwork in."
The toys were sold in Tennessee by CVS, Toys "R" Us, Hammacher Schlemmer, Walgreens, Amazon.com, Buy.com, Sears, Kmart, and QVC.