Kids' Jewelry Recalled Due to Cadmium

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In summary, federal regulators have recalled a children's jewelry line called "The Princess and The Frog" due to high levels of toxic cadmium. This reflects concerns about the presence of harmful substances in children's products, with lab tests finding 12 items with cadmium content above 10% of the total weight. The use of cadmium in products is a growing concern, with worries that it may be substituted for other materials such as zinc. There are also ongoing issues with food safety in China, including the use of melamine in dairy products and even human hair in soy sauce. There is a need for stricter consumer protection standards and testing to detect these harmful substances. However, there may be challenges in finding a balance between safety and extreme measures
  • #1
Chi Meson
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Jewelry for kids!

Guess where it was made?
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/01/29/health/AP-US-Cadmium-Jewelry.html [Broken]
AP said:
Federal consumer safety regulators on Friday announced the recall of ''The Princess and The Frog'' pendants because of high levels of the toxic metal cadmium, an unprecedented action that reflects concerns of an emerging threat in children's products.
 
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  • #2
You think that they could substitute zinc and use the cadmium for NiCad batteries, but NO! Next, we'll find out that objects that need massive components (like toy gyroscopes) will contain depleted Uranium. Until there is a standard for consumer protection that addresses that (and testing to detect it), don't put it past the Chinese capitalists. The Chinese are STILL being exposed to dairy products adulterated with melamine, years after the initial problems came to light.
 
  • #3
This is unbelievable:
As part of the AP's original investigation, lab tests conducted on 103 pieces of low-priced children's jewelry found 12 items with cadmium content above 10 percent of the total weight. One item consisted of 91 percent cadmium by weight.
 
  • #4
The freaking Chinese cadmium probably had too may impurities in it to be used in batteries.
 
  • #6
''Any detectable levels of cadmium will be deemed a product failure,'' wrote Manuel G. Grace, Disney Co.'s senior vice president for product integrity.

That's idiotic. Using methods sensitive enough you will probably detect all elements in everything.

Somehow that reminds me the story of a politician that was shown wastewater treatment plant and one of chemists on site told him "We start with highly caustic water and we bring pH down to 7". "Why can't you bring it down to zero?"
 
  • #7
Borek said:
That's idiotic. Using methods sensitive enough you will probably detect all elements in everything.

Somehow that reminds me the story of a politician that was shown wastewater treatment plant and one of chemists on site told him "We start with highly caustic water and we bring pH down to 7". "Why can't you bring it down to zero?"

yeah, politicians should have to pass a litmus test on scientific knowledge
 

What is cadmium and why is it harmful?

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health effects, including kidney damage, if ingested or inhaled in high amounts. It is also known to be a carcinogen, meaning it can increase the risk of cancer.

How can children be exposed to cadmium from jewelry?

Cadmium can be found in low-quality metal jewelry, especially in items that are painted or coated with a shiny finish. Children may be exposed to cadmium by putting jewelry in their mouth, as well as through skin contact with the metal.

What are the potential health risks of children wearing cadmium-containing jewelry?

Children who wear jewelry containing cadmium are at risk of ingesting or inhaling the metal, which can lead to acute poisoning or long-term health effects such as kidney damage, bone loss, and developmental issues.

How can parents tell if their child's jewelry contains cadmium?

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if jewelry contains cadmium just by looking at it. The only way to be sure is to have the jewelry tested by a professional or to purchase items from reputable sources that adhere to safety standards.

What should parents do if they have purchased jewelry that has been recalled due to cadmium content?

Parents should immediately stop allowing their children to wear the jewelry and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or retailer for returning or disposing of the item. It is also important to monitor children for any symptoms of cadmium poisoning and seek medical attention if necessary.

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