Cadmium: Toxic Metal Used in Children’s Jewelry

Many consumers know about the risks of lead exposure from children’s jewelry, but fewer people are aware of the risks from a more dangerous toxic heavy metal that is now turning up in many products made in China.

Cadmium is a cancer-causing carcinogen that is being used more often to make children’s jewelry since lead has been banned from such products. Cadmium can easily break or flake off in the hands or mouths of children, which increases the chances of serious health problems.

Following an investigation by the Associated Press, U.S. product safety authorities are launching an investigation into the presence of the toxic metal in children’s jewelry imported from China. Laboratory testing by the AP found some pieces of jewelry contained as much as 91 percent cadmium.

‘It’s a Poison’

“There’s nothing positive that you can say about this metal. It’s a poison,” said Bruce A. Fowler, a cadmium specialist and toxicologist of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the AP.

While federal law allows the government to regulate the use of lead in children’s jewelry, officials do not have the same authority over cadmium. That loophole is putting millions of children at risk of cancer and other severe health problems from ingesting the metal from necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other jewelry.

As part of its investigation, the AP bought 103 items from stores in California, New York, Ohio, and Texas between November and December. Twelve percent of the pieces of jewelry contained at least 10 percent cadmium.

Three bracelet charms sold at Wal-Mart, Claire’s and dollar stores was among the worst offenders, the AP said.

Items that ranked high on the cadmium risk list include:

• Three flip flop bracelet charms sold at Wal-Mart – 84 to 86 percent cadmium.

• Four charms from two “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” bracelets sold at Dollar N More store in Rochester, NY – 82 to 91 percent cadmium.

• Two charms on a “Best Friends” bracelet bought at Claire’s – 89 to 91 percent cadmium.

• Pendants from four “The Princess and The Frog” necklaces purchased at Wal-Mart – ranged between 25 to 35 percent cadmium.

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