Children can be exposed to as much as 100 times the recommended limit of cadmium when they mouth or accidentally swallow inexpensive jewelry, toxicologists warn.
Canadian and U.S. product safety authorities are investigating the presence of cadmium in children's jewelry imported from China following an Associated Press investigation in January. It found some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting cadmium for lead in cheap charm bracelets and pendants being sold throughout the United States and possibly Canada.
Cadmium, a heavy metal, can cause kidney, bone, lung, and liver disease. Because cadmium can accumulate in the body, all exposures should be avoided, health authorities say.
Researchers tested 92 pieces of cadmium-containing jewelry, and found a football pendant and a heart charm, for example, would expose children to 100 times the recommended limit on cadmium had they been swallowed.
"These results indicate the potential for dangerous cadmium exposures to children who wear, mouth, or accidentally swallow high-cadmium jewelry items," the study's authors concluded in Friday's online issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Scientists also did separate tests to mimic normal use by children that could scratch or damage the outer coating on the jewels.
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