Watching children at a preschool presents a wide range of creative uses for the waxy sticks. Some children enjoy sharpening the crayons down to a nub, pausing only to color long enough to break off the point and sharpen it again. They burrow their heads into the containers, sniffing the distinctive crayon scent. Crayola says that a Yale University study documented that the aroma of crayons are among the country's 20 most recognizable smells. More than 100 different brands of crayons are sold in North America.
Scores more come in from overseas.
Twenty-five companies that produce about 100 different brands and packaging of crayons are members of the Art and Creative Materials Institute, according to Fanning. No asbestos was found in these products. Cancer specialists and public health experts were not shy yesterday about saying something must be done immediately. The way you use crayons is to abrade them. That's how they transfer the color.