What was recalled
If you have a box of Colorations™ brand crayons in your home, classroom, or art studio, it is important to pause and check the contents carefully. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting specific multi-color sets distributed by Discount School Supply. This action was taken because the manufacturer identified a serious safety defect within the red crayons included in these particular packages. The recall, which was officially announced on May 17, 2018, targets the Colorations™ 200 extra-large crayon sets. These are not standard-sized crayons; they are specifically designed as "extra-large" items, measuring approximately 4.5 inches in length and 0.5 inches in diameter. This specific size distinction is crucial for identification, as other Colorations products may not be affected.
The core issue lies within the composition of the red crayons themselves. Each of the recalled 200-count sets includes exactly 25 red crayons. While these crayons appear normal on the surface, testing revealed that some of them contain glass fragments. This is a hidden defect that cannot be seen without close inspection or by using the crayon, making it particularly dangerous for children or anyone handling them casually. The rest of the crayons in the set are not recalled, but because they are mixed together in a single package, the entire set is considered unsafe until verified otherwise.
To help you determine if your specific box is part of this recall, please look at the packaging closely. The affected sets come in a distinctive purple and yellow box. You should look for the Colorations® logo printed clearly on the exterior of the box. If you purchased these crayons from Discount School Supply, either online at their website or through their physical catalog, there is a high likelihood they are part of this batch. However, since the product was distributed widely, it is possible to find them in other retail locations that carry Discount School Supply brands.
The number of units involved in this recall is significant, though an exact total count of affected boxes is not provided in the initial alert. The hazard is specific to the red crayons within these 200-count extra-large sets. If you have a similar set but it contains standard-sized crayons or lacks the purple and yellow packaging with the Colorations logo, it may not be part of this specific recall. Nevertheless, when safety is involved, caution is always the best approach. If your box matches the description—purple and yellow packaging, Colorations branding, 200 extra-large crayons including 25 red ones—you should treat it as recalled immediately. Stop using the product right away and do not allow children to play with these specific crayons until you have contacted Discount School Supply for instructions on obtaining a free replacement set.
The hazard, explained
When we think of crayons, we typically imagine a soft, waxy experience designed for gentle coloring and creative expression. However, in this specific recall involving Colorations™ brand 200 extra-large crayon sets, the red crayons have been found to contain shards of glass. This is not a defect in the wax or the color; it is a foreign material contamination that fundamentally changes the physical nature of the object from a safe toy into a sharp instrument. The mechanism of injury here is straightforward but serious: when a child grips, twists, or presses a crayon against paper, the internal glass fragment can shift, protrude, or break through the outer wax layer. Because these extra-large crayons measure about 4.5 inches long and .5 inches in diameter, they are substantial enough to provide significant leverage. If a user applies pressure while holding the crayon, that glass shard can easily puncture skin, leading to lacerations.
Lacerations are more than just superficial scrapes. They involve tearing or cutting of the skin and underlying tissue, which can range from minor nicks that require a bandage to deeper cuts that may need medical attention and stitches. The danger is compounded by the fact that children often hold crayons with their fingers wrapped around them for better control. If a glass fragment is located near the gripping area, the risk of cutting one’s own hand is high. Furthermore, glass fragments can be difficult to see within the red wax, meaning a child might not realize they are holding a sharp object until it causes harm. This hidden nature of the hazard makes it particularly insidious, as there is no visible warning sign on the surface of the crayon itself.
While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received two reports of red crayons containing glass, it is important to note that no injuries have been reported at this time. This does not mean the risk is negligible; rather, it suggests that while the hazard exists, widespread harm has not yet occurred. The presence of glass in a product designed for children’s use violates basic safety expectations. Glass is brittle and can fracture under normal handling pressures, creating sharp edges that are far more dangerous than the soft wax surrounding them. The potential for harm lies in the unpredictability of when and where these glass pieces might break loose during typical play. Therefore, treating this as a serious laceration risk is appropriate, even in the absence of reported injuries to date.
Understanding this hazard helps clarify why immediate action is necessary. Unlike a toy that might simply stop working or lose its color, a contaminated crayon can cause physical injury at any moment during use. The risk is not theoretical; it is a direct result of mixing a hard, sharp material with a soft, handheld object intended for close contact with the skin. By stopping use and replacing these items, you eliminate the possibility of a laceration occurring in your home.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk from this recall consists of young children who regularly use the Colorations™ brand 200 extra-large crayon sets for drawing and creative play. Because these specific crayons are marketed as "extra-large," measuring approximately 4.5 inches long and half an inch in diameter, they are designed to be easily gripped by small hands. This size makes them particularly popular in elementary schools, daycare centers, and home environments where toddlers and early elementary students are encouraged to develop fine motor skills through art. The very feature that makes the product accessible—its large, sturdy form—can become a liability when the internal integrity of the crayon is compromised by the presence of glass.
The specific danger lies in the red crayons within these multi-color sets. While the exterior may appear to be standard wax, reports indicate that some of these red crayons contain glass fragments. For a child, whose skin is thinner and more delicate than that of an adult, a laceration hazard presents a significant risk. When a child presses down with force while coloring, or if the crayon breaks unexpectedly during use, sharp glass shards can be exposed. Unlike wax shavings which are generally soft and harmless, glass fragments are rigid and jagged. If a child’s hand slips or if they bite on the end of a crayon out of habit or frustration, these hidden shards can cause cuts to the lips, tongue, fingers, or palms. The risk is amplified by the fact that young children often explore objects with their mouths and do not always realize when an item has been damaged internally.
In addition to individual children using these crayons at home, schools and educational institutions that have purchased these sets from Discount School Supply are also a key demographic under concern. Teachers and caregivers who distribute these supplies must be vigilant because the hazard is not visible to the naked eye. A teacher might hand out a set without knowing that one of the red crayons contains glass. Since there have already been two reported instances of red crayons containing glass, albeit with no injuries reported so far, the potential for accidental harm in a classroom setting where many children are handling multiple art supplies simultaneously is real. The lack of reported injuries to date is reassuring, but it does not eliminate the risk; it simply means that, fortunately, no one has been cut yet. However, the presence of glass in a product meant for tactile engagement with young learners makes this a serious safety issue that requires immediate attention from anyone who owns or distributes these specific purple and yellow boxed sets.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your child’s art supplies are part of this specific recall requires a careful look at several distinct physical characteristics. Because manufacturers often produce similar-looking items under the same brand name, relying on just one detail—like the color red—can lead to confusion. Instead, you need to verify a combination of the brand, the set composition, the physical dimensions, and the packaging design. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued this alert specifically for Colorations™ brand products, so the first step is to check the crayons themselves or the box they came in for that specific trademarked name. If the product does not bear the Colorations™ branding, it is not part of this particular recall, even if it looks similar.
Once you have confirmed the brand, the next critical detail is the set size and composition. This recall applies exclusively to the 200 extra-large crayon sets. It is important to distinguish these from standard-sized boxes or smaller multi-packs. Within this specific 200-count box, you need to verify that it contains exactly 25 red crayons. The presence of these red crayons is the focal point of the hazard, as the defect involves potential glass contamination within them. If your box does not contain 25 red crayons, or if the total count is not 200, it falls outside the scope of this specific recall notice.
The physical dimensions of the crayons are also a key identifier. The recalled extra-large crayons measure approximately 4.5 inches in length and about .5 inches in diameter. You can verify this by holding one up against a ruler or comparing it to a standard pencil, which is typically around 7.5 inches long; these will be noticeably shorter but significantly thicker than standard school-grade crayons. Their substantial size and weight are what classify them as "extra-large," making them distinct from the smaller, more traditional shapes often found in other art supplies.
Finally, examine the packaging carefully. The recalled sets were shipped in a distinctive purple and yellow box. The Colorations® logo should be clearly printed on this outer packaging. If your crayons are in a different colored box, a clear plastic container, or lack the specific purple and yellow color scheme described, they are likely not part of this recall. However, if you have a purple and yellow box containing 200 extra-large Colorations™ crayons with 25 red ones inside, you should stop using them immediately and contact Discount School Supply for your free replacement.
What to do — step by step
If you happen to have one of the recalled Colorations brand 200 extra-large crayon sets in your home, classroom, or office, the most important thing right now is to pause and take a calm, deliberate approach. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a specific and serious issue with these products: the red crayons within the multi-color packs may contain shards of glass. While no injuries have been reported as of the recall date in May 2018, the potential for laceration is real, especially given that these are large, sturdy crayons often used by young children who might put them in their mouths or handle them roughly. Therefore, your immediate priority is to remove this risk entirely from your environment. You should not attempt to inspect the crayons individually to see if yours are defective, as you cannot visually distinguish glass from wax safely. Instead, follow these concrete steps to ensure everyone’s safety and to secure your remedy. First, immediately stop using the recalled crayon sets. This means taking them out of reach of children and anyone else who might use them for art projects. Do not let them sit on a desk or in a storage bin where they might be grabbed later. It is crucial to explain to children why you are putting the crayons away without causing unnecessary fear, simply stating that these specific ones need to be checked so everyone stays safe. Once the items are secured, your next step is to initiate the return process. Discount School Supply has committed to providing a free full replacement set to all affected customers. To get this remedy, you must contact them directly. You can do this by calling their dedicated recall hotline at 800-338-4430. Their representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, which gives you ample opportunity to reach someone during standard business hours. If you prefer written communication or need to provide details in writing, you can email the recall team at recall@discountschoolsupply.com. When you contact them, have your purchase information ready if you have it, such as a receipt or order confirmation, though they are contacting known purchasers directly as well. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.discountschoolsupply.com and navigate to the “Product Safety” section for more detailed instructions and forms. After you have made contact and followed their specific return instructions, carefully pack the recalled crayons in their original purple and yellow box if possible, or a secure container that prevents any sharp edges from escaping. Do not dispose of them in regular trash where they could injure sanitation workers; let the company guide you on the proper disposal method. By following these steps, you ensure that you are not only protecting yourself and others from potential harm but also receiving the full compensation offered by the manufacturer.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Colorations™ brand 200 extra-large crayon sets, the good news is that the remedy for this situation is straightforward and completely free. You are not expected to keep a product that poses a laceration hazard simply because you paid for it. In this specific recall, the manufacturer, Discount School Supply, has chosen to provide a full replacement set rather than a partial refund or a repair. This is a common and consumer-friendly approach for physical goods like art supplies, as it ensures you receive a brand-new, safe product that functions exactly as intended without any out-of-pocket cost to you.
The core of your option here is to obtain a free full replacement set. The company has stated clearly that they will send you a new box of crayons to replace the ones containing potential glass shards. You do not need to pay for shipping, and you do not need to return the defective product yourself. This removes the hassle of repackaging hazardous items and mailing them back, which is particularly important given that the recalled items contain broken glass that could cut your hands or damage postal workers' equipment. By keeping the recalled crayons at home until you are ready to dispose of them safely, you avoid unnecessary risk during the return process.
While Discount School Supply is proactively contacting all known purchasers directly to arrange these replacements, it is still in your best interest to take action if you have not heard from them. Waiting passively might delay your ability to use safe art supplies for school projects or classroom activities. To initiate the process yourself, you should contact Discount School Supply through one of three methods: by phone at 800-338-4430, by email at recall@discountschoolsupply.com, or online via their website. When visiting www.discountschoolsupply.com, look for the “Product Safety” section to find the specific details and forms related to this recall.
Please note that the customer service line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. If you call outside of these hours, your message will likely be recorded and addressed during the next business day. When you reach out, have your purchase receipt or order number ready if you have it, as this can help them locate your transaction faster, though the company may also be able to assist you based on the product description alone. The goal is to get you a safe, glass-free set of 200 extra-large crayons so you can continue your creative work without worry.
- Contact Method: Call 800-338-4430 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET), email recall@discountschoolsupply.com, or visit www.discountschoolsupply.com and click “Product Safety.”
- Remedy Type: Free full replacement set of crayons.
- Return Requirement: You are not required to return the recalled items.
- Conditions: No purchase receipt is strictly necessary, but having it may speed up verification.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall involves a hidden physical defect like embedded glass, the most immediate consequence of ignoring the alert is the potential for serious personal injury to the user. In this specific case, the hazard is not chemical or electrical; it is mechanical and sharp. The red crayons in the affected Colorations sets may contain shards of glass within the wax. This creates a dangerous contradiction: the object looks and feels like a standard, soft drawing tool, but its internal structure is fragile and capable of splintering unpredictably.
If you continue to use these crayons without replacing them, you are essentially rolling the dice with your safety every time you pick one up. The primary risk comes from the act of sharpening or even just pressing the crayon against paper with moderate force. Normal wax crayons break cleanly or wear down gradually. However, a crayon containing glass can shatter internally or at the tip when subjected to pressure. This can cause the crayon to snap sharply, sending small, jagged fragments flying or causing the user’s hand to slip violently. The result is often a laceration—a cut that can be surprisingly deep and painful.
The consequences of such an injury extend beyond just the initial moment of pain. A laceration from glass requires careful medical attention because leaving even tiny fragments in the skin can lead to infection or long-term tissue damage. For children, who make up a significant portion of the user base for these extra-large crayons, the risk is compounded by their developmental stage. Children may not immediately recognize that a broken piece of crayon has cut them, especially if the glass shard remains embedded in the wound. They might continue to play or draw, aggravating the injury and increasing the likelihood of scarring or infection.
While the manufacturer reports two confirmed incidents where glass was found in the red crayons and notes that no injuries have been officially reported to date, this silence should not be mistaken for safety. The absence of reported injuries often means that minor cuts were treated at home and never reached medical professionals or regulatory agencies. Every day you delay replacing these crayons increases the statistical probability that one of those "lucky" non-injury outcomes will turn into a real-world emergency. Ignoring the recall does not make the glass disappear; it simply leaves you unprepared for the moment it breaks.
Beyond the physical risk, there is also the psychological toll of dealing with an accident that was entirely preventable. Dealing with emergency room visits, stitching wounds, or managing infection requires time, money, and emotional energy that no parent or teacher should have to spend because a simple recall notice was overlooked. The CPSC emphasizes that these recalls are proactive measures designed to stop problems before they become tragedies. By ignoring the alert, you are choosing to rely on chance rather than caution, risking sudden pain and medical complications for a product that is readily available as a free replacement.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a distinct manufacturing defect in colored wax products, the underlying principle is vital for any household with children: vigilance regarding small, colorful items that can end up in mouths or on skin. Crayons and similar art supplies are designed to be tactile and engaging, which makes them particularly attractive to young explorers. However, when these items contain foreign objects like glass shards, the risk shifts from a simple mess to a potential medical emergency. To prevent such hazards, always inspect new art supplies before handing them to children. Look for cuts, cracks, or unusual hardness in wax sticks, as these can indicate internal defects. It is also wise to establish a routine of checking your child’s play area for broken pieces of any craft material, not just crayons, and cleaning them up immediately.
Beyond immediate inspection, consider the age-appropriateness of the products you purchase. The CPSC provides clear guidelines on toy safety based on developmental stages. For children under three, or for any child who still puts objects in their mouth, avoid small detachable parts entirely, regardless of how sturdy they seem. Instead, opt for large, solid items that cannot be swallowed or easily broken into sharp fragments. When buying bulk art supplies, especially from discount retailers, read the packaging carefully for safety warnings and age recommendations. If a product seems unusually cheap or lacks clear labeling, it may be worth seeking out brands with a longer history of rigorous quality control.
Another critical step in maintaining a safe home environment is staying informed about recalls before they become a crisis. Many parents do not realize that product safety databases are publicly accessible and updated frequently. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or follow their social media channels. This proactive approach allows you to act quickly if a product you own is flagged, rather than waiting for an injury to occur. Additionally, register your art supplies and other children’s products with the manufacturer when possible. While this does not guarantee safety, it ensures that if a defect is discovered later, you will be notified directly with instructions on how to remedy the situation.
Finally, foster open communication with your children about safety without inducing fear. Teach them that art materials are for creative use only and should never be eaten or played with roughly. Encourage them to tell you immediately if a crayon feels different, breaks unexpectedly, or causes any discomfort. By combining careful purchasing habits, regular inspections, and ongoing education, you create a layered defense that protects your family from both known defects and potential future hazards. Remember that safety is an active practice, not a one-time check, and staying engaged with your child’s environment is the most effective tool you have.