01-11-2010, 09:06 PM
<a class='bbc_url' href='http://consumerist.com/2010/01/cheap-jewelry-finds-new-better-way-to-poison-your-child.html'>Link via Consumerist from AP</a>
An AP investigation has found that, barred from using lead in children's jewelry, some Chinese manufacturers have substituted cadmium -- which is more dangerous. The AP tested one piece of jewelry that was 91% cadmium by weight. The heavy metal is a known carcinogen and is used in rechargeable batteries, pigments, electroplating and plastic. Children can ingest the cadmium by sucking or biting on the jewelry. They do not need to swallow it.
To gauge cadmium's prevalence in children's jewelry, the AP organized lab testing of 103 items bought in New York, Ohio, Texas and California. All but one were purchased in November or December.
The results: 12 percent of the pieces of jewelry contained at least 10 percent cadmium.
Some of the most troubling test results were for bracelet charms sold at Walmart, at the jewelry chain Claire's and at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in "The Princess and The Frog" movie-themed pendants.
"There's nothing positive that you can say about this metal. It's a poison," said Bruce A. Fowler, a cadmium specialist and toxicologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On the CDC's priority list of 275 most hazardous substances in the environment, cadmium ranks No. 7.
An AP investigation has found that, barred from using lead in children's jewelry, some Chinese manufacturers have substituted cadmium -- which is more dangerous. The AP tested one piece of jewelry that was 91% cadmium by weight. The heavy metal is a known carcinogen and is used in rechargeable batteries, pigments, electroplating and plastic. Children can ingest the cadmium by sucking or biting on the jewelry. They do not need to swallow it.
To gauge cadmium's prevalence in children's jewelry, the AP organized lab testing of 103 items bought in New York, Ohio, Texas and California. All but one were purchased in November or December.
The results: 12 percent of the pieces of jewelry contained at least 10 percent cadmium.
Some of the most troubling test results were for bracelet charms sold at Walmart, at the jewelry chain Claire's and at a dollar store. High amounts of cadmium also were detected in "The Princess and The Frog" movie-themed pendants.
"There's nothing positive that you can say about this metal. It's a poison," said Bruce A. Fowler, a cadmium specialist and toxicologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On the CDC's priority list of 275 most hazardous substances in the environment, cadmium ranks No. 7.
Quote:Â5 hours ago Mavenu hm. I guess I shouldn't point out that Max Barry's not even from America, but is an Australian?
4 hours ago NationStates Moderators When did actual facts or logic have anything to do with idiot spammers?
Change comes not when some group of radical seizes power, thatââ¬â¢s just a shift at the top. It comes when Mr. And Mrs. Ordinary make a stand. When the cake shop owner and teacher and the bearer boy come together and say, ââ¬ËThey are not afraid,ââ¬â¢ anymore.
Monica Whitlock ââ¬â BBC ââ¬ÅFrom our own Correspondentââ¬Â
Nov 7/05 ââ¬â in reference to actions in Uzbekistan, May 2005.
