Illinois adopts measure against Cadmium in children's jewelry

Following several recent recalls of children's jewelry for high levels of the dangerous heavy metal cadmium, Illinois joined other states in banning the manufacture, sale or distribution of children's jewelry with cadmium levels over 75 parts per million (ppm).

The new law takes affect immediately.

WARNING: Please Do Not Allow Young Children to Play With Cheap Metal Jewelry

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum recently released a statement urging parents, grandparents, and caregivers to prevent young children from wearing or playing with cheap metal jewelry. Children's jewelry has been repeatedly found to contain lead, cadmium and or other dangerous heavy metals. An AP story alerted us all that cadmium is turning up more often in children's jewelry since the CPSIA banned the use of lead in children's products.

Tenenbaum warned manufacturers against the use of heavy metals, particularly cadmium, in a keynote speech that was delivered Tuesday at the APEC Toy Safety Initiative/Dialogue in Hong Kong.

For this reason, we urge parents to continue to check recalls listed on the CPSC web site as well as prevent children from playing with cheap metal jewelry. Cadmium has also been found in children's vinyl products.

When shopping, probably best to avoid metal jewelry

Over the past few years millions of rings, necklaces and other jewelry have been recalled because of lead content or paint. Yet a recent study by the Center for Environmental Health finds that much of that still on the shelves is still tainted with lead.

New regulations to limit lead content in children's products, including jewelry, goes into effect in February. At that time, manufacturers will have to certify that the product has been tested by an independent third party laboratory and is free of lead (or under 600ppm at least).

But in the meantime, as the CEH study shows, it is likely that jewelry currently for sale may still contain lead. Perhaps books would make a better gift this holiday season....