Cadmium is the new lead. As covered earlier in babygooroo, both the federal government and some U.S. retailers (most notably Toys R Us and Wal-Mart) set restrictions on the amount of lead allowed in children’s products. According to a recent Associated Press (AP) investigation, Chinese manufacturers are now substituting cadmium for lead. Unfortunately, cadmium is no less dangerous.

What is cadmium?
Like lead, cadmium is a heavy metal. Since it occurs naturally in soil, most people are exposed to microscopic amounts of cadmium. Without direct exposure, most adults will suffer no ill effects.

Children, however, are particularly vulnerable to the toxic metal. Their bodies readily absorb substances, and cadmium can negatively affect brain development. One recent study even  suggests that cadmium may reduce IQ more than lead does.

In addition, cadmium accumulates in the kidneys over time. Dr. Robert O. Wright of Harvard University’s schools of medicine and environmental health explains that even small amounts “may radically alter development…. I can’t even fathom why anyone would allow for even a small amount to be accessible.”

But the health effects don’t stop there. Cadmium has also been linked to breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, and reduced bone density.

That’s why the AP’s investigation merits attention. Coming as it does about a year after the first wave of U.S. restrictions on lead went into effect, it provides keen insight about manufacturers’ response to those rules—and the health risks that result from their decisions about safe alternatives.

Deadly jewelry
After lab tests conducted on 103 pieces of low-priced children’s jewelry, the AP found at the most contaminated piece to be 91% cadmium by weight. Other pieces tested at 89 percent, 86 percent, and 84 percent. Some of the items easily shed the heavy metal during testing, causing additional concerns about the levels of exposure by children. Many of these products are currently on the shelves at Wal-Mart and Claire’s stores nationwide.

Interviews by AP reporters with more than a dozen manufacturers and sellers in one Chinese providence “confirm that the toxic metal is a common ingredient in the earrings, bracelets, charms and other baubles” being produced there.

Parents should be heartened by the strong response from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Within days of the AP report, in a taped keynote speech delivered to regulators at the APEC Toy Safety Initiative/Dialogue in Hong Kong, CPSC chairman Inez Tenenbaum warned manufacturers to refrain from substituting cadmium, antimony or barium in place of lead. On the official CPSC blog, Ms. Tenenbaum delivered a clear, two-pronged message for parents, grandparents and caregivers: “Do not allow young children to be given or to play with cheap metal jewelry,” and, “To prevent young children from possibly being exposed to lead, cadmium or any other hazardous heavy metal, take the jewelry away.”

And more important than warnings and declarations, the CPSC opened a formal investigation into the products tested in the AP study and the general practice of substituting cadmium for lead in Chinese products.

Bottom line for parents

• Think before you shop. Don’t buy cheap metal jewelry.

• Purge. Remove any risky products from your child’s possession, and dispose of them safely.

• Speak up to legislators. Concerned parents can contact their senators and representatives at the state and federal levels to let them know they care (Find your legislators online at votesmart.org). Charles E. Schumer, a senator from New York state, has said he will introduce the “Safe Kids Jewelry Act” in Congress soon.

• Send a message to federal regulators. Send a message to the CPSC to let them know you’re paying attention to this issue.

• Stay informed! Sign up for recall notices from the CPSC web site and pay attention to news about children’s toys and products.

• Raise awareness. Share what you learn with family members and friends, especially other parents.