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Jan 11, 2010
Toxic metal in China jewellery
<!-- by line --> <!-- end by line --> LOS ANGELES - BARRED from using lead in children's jewellery because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows. The most contaminated piece analysed in lab testing performed for the AP contained a startling 91 per cent cadmium by weight. The cadmium content of other contaminated trinkets, all purchased at national and regional chains or franchises, tested at 89 per cent, 86 per cent and 84 per cent by weight. The testing also showed that some items easily shed the heavy metal, raising additional concerns about the levels of exposure to children. A spokesman for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, which regulates children's products, said on Sunday that the agency 'is opening an investigation' and 'will take action as quickly as possible to protect the safety of children'.
Cadmium is a known carcinogen. Like lead, it can hinder brain development in the very young, according to recent research. Children don't have to swallow an item to be exposed - they can get persistent, low-level doses by regularly sucking or biting jewellery with a high cadmium content. To gauge cadmium's prevalence in children's jewellery, the AP organised lab testing of 103 items bought in three states. All but one were purchased in November or December. The results: 12 per cent of the pieces of jewellery contained at least 10 per cent cadmium. Some of the most troubling test results were for bracelet charms sold at Walmart, at the jewellery chain Claire's and at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in The Princess and The Frog movie-themed pendants. -- AP
Home > Breaking News > Asia > Story
Jan 11, 2010
Toxic metal in China jewellery
<!-- by line --> <!-- end by line --> LOS ANGELES - BARRED from using lead in children's jewellery because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows. The most contaminated piece analysed in lab testing performed for the AP contained a startling 91 per cent cadmium by weight. The cadmium content of other contaminated trinkets, all purchased at national and regional chains or franchises, tested at 89 per cent, 86 per cent and 84 per cent by weight. The testing also showed that some items easily shed the heavy metal, raising additional concerns about the levels of exposure to children. A spokesman for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, which regulates children's products, said on Sunday that the agency 'is opening an investigation' and 'will take action as quickly as possible to protect the safety of children'.
Cadmium is a known carcinogen. Like lead, it can hinder brain development in the very young, according to recent research. Children don't have to swallow an item to be exposed - they can get persistent, low-level doses by regularly sucking or biting jewellery with a high cadmium content. To gauge cadmium's prevalence in children's jewellery, the AP organised lab testing of 103 items bought in three states. All but one were purchased in November or December. The results: 12 per cent of the pieces of jewellery contained at least 10 per cent cadmium. Some of the most troubling test results were for bracelet charms sold at Walmart, at the jewellery chain Claire's and at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in The Princess and The Frog movie-themed pendants. -- AP
