Project Problem Description

On

Crayons
 Crayons

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

Asbestos, or certain heavy metals

Asbestos and certain heavy metals can have harmful effects on children's health. Let's discuss
each of them separately:
Asbestos: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in crayons. However,
it has been found to be highly toxic:
Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to respiratory problems, including
difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and reduced lung function. Children are particularly
vulnerable as their lungs are still developing.
Mesothelioma: Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and
aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The latency
period between exposure and the development of mesothelioma can be several decades.
Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure to asbestos also increases the risk of developing lung cancer,
even in children who were exposed at a young age.
To prevent exposure to asbestos, it is crucial to identify and safely remove any asbestos-
containing materials from Crayons.
Heavy Metals: Certain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, can have
detrimental effects on children's health. These metals are often present in the environment and
can contaminate air, water, soil, and food sources.
The harmful effects of heavy metals on children's health include:
Neurological Problems: Heavy metals can affect the developing brain and nervous system,
leading to cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. Lead exposure, in
particular, is associated with decreased IQ and attention deficits.
Developmental Delays: Children exposed to heavy metals may experience delays in physical and
mental development, including impaired growth, motor skills, and language acquisition.
Organ Damage: Heavy metals can accumulate in various organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and
bones, causing long-term damage and dysfunction.
Toxic Ingredients and Health Concerns:
Problem: Traditional crayons often contain toxic substances like lead, phthalates, and other
harmful chemicals, raising health concerns, especially for young children who may ingest or
come into contact with crayons.
Modification: Develop non-toxic crayons made from safe, natural materials, using plant-based
waxes and dyes derived from vegetables or other non-toxic sources. Conduct rigorous safety
testing to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Environmental Impact and Sustainable Materials:

Problem: Crayon production generates plastic waste from packaging and discarded crayon stubs,
contributing to environmental pollution.
Modification: Adopt sustainable practices by using recyclable or compostable packaging
materials. Design crayons with refillable or replaceable components to reduce waste. Explore the
use of biodegradable or recycled materials for crayon production.
Ergonomics and User Well-being:
Problem: Traditional crayons may not be ergonomically designed, leading to discomfort and
strain during use, particularly for individuals with limited dexterity.
Modification: Redesign crayons with ergonomic shapes, textured grips, and comfortable sizes to
reduce hand fatigue and improve user experience. Consider different sizes or adaptive features to
accommodate users of all ages and abilities.

Color Variety and Visual Stimulation:

Problem: Limited color options in traditional crayon sets may limit creativity and visual
stimulation for users.
Modification: Increase the color variety in crayon sets, including unique shades and metallic
finishes. Offer specialized sets with additional effects like color-changing or glow-in-the-dark
crayons to enhance creativity and engagement.

Industrial Innovation and Technological Integration:

Problem: Traditional crayons lack integration with modern technologies, missing opportunities
for innovation and interactive experiences.
Modification: Explore integration with augmented reality (AR) or digital platforms, allowing
users to combine traditional coloring with digital enhancements. Develop smart crayons with
connectivity features for educational purposes or interactive games.

Responsible Production and Ethical Sourcing:

Problem: Lack of transparency in the sourcing and production processes of crayons can raise
concerns regarding labor practices and ethical sourcing of raw materials.
Modification: Implement responsible production practices by ensuring transparency in the supply
chain, promoting fair labor practices, and sourcing raw materials from verified sustainable
sources. Seek certifications and partnerships that uphold ethical and responsible
production standards.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH SDGs

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages:
1. Using products with organic contents can lead towards healthy lives and supports
prevention of environment.
2. Crayons is a product used widely by kids, however, some of its contents such as wax,
pigments, Asbestos can hamper their health directly or indirectly, which can be in long
term or short term if consumed actively/passively.
3. Recognizing the diverse benefits of organic crayons and incorporating them into various
settings, such as education, therapy and recreational activities can greatly enhance the
overall well-being of individuals aligning with the global efforts to achieve SDG goal 3.

Goal 9: Industry innovation and infrastructure:

1. Researches towards replacing any harmful contents present in products around us leads
towards the innovation and adds up in creating world class infrastructure nurturing green
industry.
2. Replacing toxic pigments with non-toxic environmental friendly materials, crayon
manufacturers can offer safer products that comply with health and safety standards. This
shift not only helps protecting its user but also promotes responsible manufacturing
practices.
3. The adoption of safer ingredients in crayons can lead to the development of new
manufacturing processes, technologies and materials.
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production:

1. By examining the environmental impact of crayon production, as well as promoting

responsible consumption habits, this sheds light on role of crayons in achieving
sustainable development goals related to responsible consumption and production.
2. Traditional crayons have been made with petroleum-based waxes, contributing towards
carbon emissions and depletion of non-renewable resources. Moreover, the disposal of
broken and unused crayons adds to waste accumulation.
3. It explores initiatives and innovations aimed at achieving more responsible crayon
production. This includes the use of alternative materials, such as soy or beeswax, which
are renewable and biodegradable. By sustainable sourcing practices and eco-friendly
manufacturing processes, crayons can reduce their environmental footprints.
References
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