Warning: Cadmium in Children’s Products a Risk

Posted on January 11, 2010 in Consumer Goods, Health & Medicine, Parenting, Recent Studies

U.S. product safety officials are warning consumers about the risks associated with the toxic metal cadmium, which is found in children’s jewelry and other products and can cause learning disabilities and other severe health complications.

With so many restrictions on the use of lead – another type of toxic metal linked to neurological problems and other health problems – many toy and children’s products manufacturers are using cadmium, a soft metal also used in pigments, plastics, and electroplating. The metal is used to make plastic jewelry shiny.

A recent investigation conducted by the Associated Press found cadmium in bracelet charms, necklaces, and other children’s jewelry in dangerously high levels. Cadmium is particularly dangerous for children because their growing bodies readily absorb substances, allowing cadmium to build up in the kidneys for many years, officials said.

“Just small amounts of chemicals may radically alter development,” said Harvard University Dr. Robert O. Wright, according to the AP. “I can’t even fathom why anyone would allow for even a small amount to be accessible.”

Some researchers have said cadmium lowers IQ even more than lead, even though people are exposed to far less cadmium than lead.