A toy company has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and is facing a class-action lawsuit after manufacturing an asbestos-contaminated toy. Planet Toys, Inc. sold a toy crime-scene kit based on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” a CBS show that put thousands at risk of asbestos exposure.

The nonprofit Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) filed a lawsuit against the toy company and CBS after discovering the toys contained asbestos in November of 2007. Three separate tests were conducted on the toys by ADAO finding “substantial quantities of tremolite asbestos… one of the most lethal forms of asbestos.” The mineral was found in the fingerprint dusting powder. Planet Toys, Inc. responded by pulling the kits off of store shelves but made a statement that their previous testing showed no signs of asbestos. Plaintiffs have until March 30th to file a motion to certify the class.

Exposure to asbestos can cause a number of illnesses including asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma. The disease is caused when airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled and become lodged in the soft tissue of the lungs. Symptoms can take between 20 and 50 years to appear, many times too late for any effective treatment. Beginning in the 1970’s the government implemented regulations on the use of asbestos in products.

The lawsuits have been filed by the Public Justice on behalf of the ADAO. The attorney in charge of the case said the, “powder has been marketed and sold to thousands of children who are told to spread it around and blow off the excess. It’s a shame that we had to resort to litigation to force these companies to do what they should have done in the first place to protect the American public.”

In the bankruptcy petition filed March 18th, Plant Toys, Inc. states it has assets between a million and $10 million, their liabilities range between $10 and $50 million. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is filed when a business cannot pay its creditors and/or is badly in debt. Unless the company can be continued by a Chapter 7 trustee, the business will most likely liquidate and cease to exist.

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