Alarmed that CBS Broadcasting, Inc. and Planet Toys, Inc. have refused to take appropriate action, Public Justice filed state and federal lawsuits on Friday in Los Angeles to force the companies to protect children and their families from further exposure to asbestos contained in toy science kits made by Planet Toys and licensed by CBS. The toy kits are based on the popular “CSI” television drama series, and tests of the kits’ fingerprinting powder found tremolite, one of the most deadly forms of asbestos.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an organization dedicated to serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds the United States Senate for passing a resolution that would designate the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week.” In particular, ADAO praises Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) for sponsoring the resolution and additional cosponsors and key supporters of S.RES.108 including: Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) for their leadership in this important legislation.