Cadmium Exposure From Jewelry Greater Than Believed

In the last couple of years there have been several recalls of inexpensive children's jewelry because they contained unhealthy levels of cadmium. Researchers say the levels are even more unhealthy than first thought.

Writing in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) the researchers say children who mouth or swallow jewelry containing cadmium may be exposed to as much as 100 times the recommended maximum exposure limit for the toxic metal.

The study measured bioavailability, or how much cadmium leached out of the jewelry. The research also found that damaged pieces of jewelry in some cases leached up to 30 times more cadmium than undamaged pieces.

"Our hope is that the potential hazards of cadmium-laden jewelry will be taken seriously. While the bioavailability of cadmium from many items was low, the amounts of cadmium obtained from other items were extraordinarily high and clearly dangerous if these items were mouthed or swallowed by children," said study author Jeffrey Weidenhamer of Ashland University in Ohio.

Cadmium is a heavy metal that can cause kidney, bone, lung, and liver disease. Cadmium contamination is a global health concern. Most human exposure comes from food or tobacco grown with cadmium-rich phosphate fertilizer.

In May 2010, Claire's Stores recalled about 19,000 "Best Friends" charm bracelets, made in China and retailing for about $12, because they contained unhealthy levels of cadmium.

Earlier in the year, FAF Inc. recalled about 55,000 children's necklaces sold at Wal-Mart, for the same reason.

For the current study, Weidenhamer's team tested 69 pieces of cadmium-laden jewelry, mostly charms and necklace pendants, many designed for children and imported primarily from China. Most items sold for less than $5 each and were purchased in 2009 and 2010.

Of 34 pieces of jewelry tested under mouthing conditions, one piece (a football pendant) yielded 2,109 micrograms of cadmium-more than 100 times the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-recommended limit of 18 micrograms for maximum exposure through mouthing. Eight other pieces exceeded the 18-microgram limit.