How to Protect your Child from Asbestos
We all know that asbestos is a natural fiber that was widely used as a spray-on material for fireproofing, insulation, and soundproofing in homes and public buildings from the 1940s through the 1970s. It’s important to consider how this material might be affecting your child today. Other than being present in some schools, asbestos can be found in surprising places and things.
Recently, JoJo Siwa’s makeup line from Claire’s became the latest kid-oriented line with products that tested positive for asbestos. This isn’t the first time Claire’s has faced problems with asbestos. Earlier this year in March, the FDA issued a warning after several of the brand’s makeup items including an eye-shadow palette and compact powder were found to be contaminated with asbestos fibers.
What Should you tell your Child About Asbestos?
• Educate your child on asbestos. Be sure to explain its common uses and where it can be found in houses and other buildings.
• Tell your child to stay away from products that have been reported as contaminated with asbestos, like children’s make-up, crayons, and crime scene investigation kits.
• Let them know that it is safe for people to live and work in older buildings, as long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition. Explain that damage to these materials (caused by weather, fire, or human intervention) causes microscopic asbestos fibers to be released into the air that they breathe.
• Encourage your children to let you know if they hear of someone (especially a school friend’s parents) attempting asbestos removal from an older home.
What can you do to Protect your Child?
• Let your child know that it is not safe to be in or around abandoned homes or sheds because they may contain asbestos.
• Keep them away from building sites or areas where older homes have been demolished.
• Carry a water bottle on outdoor trips and advise them not to drink from old water fountains. The pipes from old water fountains may contain asbestos that can leak into the water.
• Invest in high-quality toys and children’s products. Avoid purchasing children’s make-up or off-brand crayons.
