U.S. To Investigate Cadmium in Children’s Jewelry

Photo via lepiaf.geo Chinese manufacturers have been using the dangerous metal cadmium in children's sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States

After an Associated Press investigative report revealed that Chinese manufacturers have been substituting cadmium for lead in cheap charm bracelets and pendants throughout the U.S., U.S. product safety authorities stated they are to "take action as quickly as possible to protect the safety of children,” according to a follow-up report by the AP published Monday.

Cadmium is a carcinogen that can hinder brain development in the very young, according to recent research. Children can be exposed to it by sucking on or biting jewelry with high in cadmium.

The AP conducted lab testing of 103 children's jewelry items bought in New York, Ohio, Texas and California purchased in November or December. The tests found that 12 percent of the jewelry items contained at least 10 percent cadmium.

Among the poisoned jewels were bracelet charms sold at Walmart, items at jewelry chain Claire's and other pieces found at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in "The Princess and The Frog" movie-themed pendants.

Walmart has responded by pulling by the children’s jewelry items cited in the AP report off its shelves.

One piece analyzed by the AP was found to contain up to 91 percent cadmium. Other contaminated small jewelry items tested at 89 percent, 86 percent and 84 percent.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission spokesman Scott Wolfson told the AP that the agency would study the test results, attempt to buy the contaminated products and "take appropriate action."