Dangers of Cadmium in childrens jewelry

[Former_Member]

" Moving swiftly, U.S. product safety authorities say they are launching an investigation into the presence of the toxic metal cadmium in children's jewelry imported from China after disclosure of lab tests showing that some pieces consisted primarily of the dangerous substance."

"The promise to "take action as quickly as possible to protect the safety of children" followed by hours the release Sunday of an Associated Press investigative report that documented how some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting cadmium for lead in cheap charm bracelets and pendants being sold throughout the United States."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,582746,00.html

[Former_Member]

Apparently closed threads are not shown when a search is done for title words. I searched cadmium before starting this thread, and only one unrelated thread showed up. Now I see a similar thread to this one was closed; so let's be careful about putting down any group of people.

The use of cadmium is the thrust of this thread.

[Former_Member]

Unbelievable! What will they find next! Thanks for the link and info. Another reason to support handmade.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Again another sterling example of why this law does little to protect children. Lead in a zipper is bad, cadmium doesn't need testing. Sheesh!

[Former_Member]

Cad red is nasty stuff, in lots of things besides clothes.

[Former_Member]

This type of stuff is a real danger in most imported jewelry that is cheap and mass produced. This is a big reason why I don't like to use imported components in making jewelry. Unfortunately it is the biggest of dangers to our children who often pine for and get parents and relatives to buy these trinkets.

When I buy real silver or gold filled materials from US sources I know what I have and feel safe using it on my body. I have allergies to the materials most costume jewelry is made of.

[Former_Member]

I read this article earlier and posted about it in the business forum. It's another reason to buy hand made rather than cheap commercial mass-produced stuff.

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6401109

[Stormslegacy]

http://www.telegram.com/article/20100111/NEWS/1110360

I had come myself to post this article. Shocking *headdesk* Who couldn't have seen this coming though?

[aosLeather]

if corporations (here or abroad) think the best way to make a profit is to disregard dangers to children, then we need to show them there is simply no profit in such a thought process.
boycott boycott boycott

[Former_Member]

Cadmium is being found in other jewelry, not just children's...in new charms, etc...gotta be very careful as it seems like it's everywhere.

[Former_Member]

I suppose the "fix" will be to make all crafters test for cadmium now.

[SealandStringStudio]

This makes me so flipping mad! If I want to sew and sell for kids, I'm scrutinized to the nth degree.

The US is cracking down on lead testing. What to do? How about we substitute a different toxic metal? Sounds great! :vent:

[SewFunDollClothes]

SugarAndSpice says:
I suppose the "fix" will be to make all crafters test for cadmium now.

______________________

Yes, and they'll give the big companies who are doing the importing an exemption to test their own products. And once again we crafters take the fall for corporate greed. Sheesh.

[wildhare]

If it's in jewelry, then it could be in buttons, eyelets, any of those inexpensive tools that you find at discount stores and online import shops. Everywhere. Cadmium makes lovely permanent color pigments in artists paint, but only in professional grade paints, and even then, it's only sold in child-proof jars with lots of warnings on the label. What are the odds of a child chewing on an oil painting, versus a button or charm on a necklace? And if it's bad for children, how about adult? Those $12 pierced earring my 6 year old got for Christmas that made her ears hurt - wonder why? And where CAN I find safe earring for her to wear? How do I know?

[Former_Member]

I just read an article about this. Some people will do anything to get around regulations. I'm concerned about all mass-produced jewelry and findings now.

[Former_Member]

Oh, good point wildhare! The dollar stores will stay in business somehow.

[germandolls]

That is soooo horrible. It just proves that it's all about profits. Why would you replace a toxic metal with another one that is far worse and even more toxic? I am totally disgusted!

[Former_Member]

How 'bout the part that says China is addressing the issue in their exports, but not their domestically sold products. Do they have no regard for their own people???

[Former_Member]

That quote got me too adorned. Seriously f***** up.

[babymoon]

Man, I'm SO upset about this. Stupid CPSIA was supposed to prevent this very thing. But apparently WM is above having to make sure that it's own products were safe in the first place.

[babymoon]

Man, I'm SO upset about this. Stupid CPSIA was supposed to prevent this very thing. But apparently WM is above having to make sure that it's own products were safe in the first place.

[germandolls]

Isn't cadmium also the stuff they found in red lipsticks?

[Former_Member]

I just saw a piece on my local news that said Wal=Mart is pulling children's jewelry from shelves because of cadmium levels. They said that China is using cadmium instead of lead because it is not regulated like lead. One piece of jewelry tested in the segment was all cadmium. Story said many U.S. electronics are sent to China for recycling and this is a huge source of cadmium for them.

[Former_Member]

this is important information......bumping

[SparxsDesigns]

SugarAndSpice says:
I suppose the "fix" will be to make all crafters test for cadmium now.
-----------------------------

Yup, I am fearing us jewelry makers will be next. If so, this lady is done. I can hardly afford to live, let alone test everything. :(