What it is: The 48th element in the periodic table, cadmium is a soft, white—and extremely toxic—metal. It occurs naturally in soil and is used in industrial processes such as smelting and electroplating. Along with nickel, it is the primary ingredient in “Ni-Cad” type rechargeable batteries and is used in some industrial paints. Like lead, it can cause developmental problems in children.
 
Why it's news: Unfortunately cadmium, like lead, is sometimes found in cheap children’s jewelry, particularly in products made in China. A recent Associated Press investigation found that some Chinese manufacturers have been using cadmium as a substitute for lead. Last year the federal government placed limits on lead in children's products to no more than 300 parts per million (ppm). As part of mandatory toy safety standards, cadmuim used in surface coating should not exceed 75 ppm if soluble in acid.  No such limits are in place for cadmium in jewelry. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has the authority to regulate cadmium in jewelry under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act but as we reported earlier, the CPSC has never recalled an item for cadmium.

After the AP report was released, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) proposed legislation that would ban the use of cadmium and certain other heavy metals in children’s jewelry sold in the United States.

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum says her agency is making efforts to stop the replacement of lead with cadmium in children’s products imported from China. Walmart and some other retailers have pulled the products identified in the AP investigation from store shelves.  In the meantime, Tenenbaum has this to say to parents and caregivers: “The key message that I want parents to know is: We will act to protect young children -- but take the metal jewelry away from children who will swallow, suck or chew on it while our work continues. Do not allow young children to be given or to play with cheap metal jewelry, especially when they are unsupervised.” We agree.

More on cadmium:

• Associated Press investigation
• CPSC Chairman Tenenbaum’s statement