9.27.2011 10:09 AM

Industry Sets its Own Cadmium Limits for Children's Jewelry

Arguing that state limits are inconsistent, jewelry makers push a voluntary standard instead.

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claires children jewelry best friends forever cadmium recall

These "Best Friends Forever" charm bracelets were among thousands of pieces of children's jewelry recalled because of high levels of cadmium.

Photo: CPSC

By Dan Shapley

The makers of children's jewelry are pushing back against states that have passed safety restrictions on the levels of allowable cadmium in their products. Retailers have instituted testing requirements, and at least five states have passed laws in response to reports about high levels of cadmium, which can be toxic if ingested, that has been detected in many pieces of children's jewelry. The chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned manufacturers against using cadmium last year, and went so far as to recommend that parents avoid "cheap metal jewelry" altogether. Hundreds of thousands of pieces of children's jewelry have been recalled in the last year or so.

The Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association, which represents 225 members in the industry, responded to the new regulations by developing its own voluntary standard for use of cadmium. The new draft standard, produced by ASTM International and made public this week, is designed to create a single national standard. That effort has the support of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, according to an Associated Press report. (It was an Associated Press investigation last year that brought attention to the widespread presence of cadmium in children's jewelry, and Good Housekeeping found worrying levels of lead and cadmium in children's jewelry, too.) The association's executive director Brent Cleaveland hailed the new standards as science-based and protective of children.

But the voluntary rules are more lenient than those set by some states, and they apply narrowly to children's jewelry. The voluntary standards do not apply to many children's items, such as jewelry adorning dolls; novelty jewelry; belts, handbags or other accessories; most apparel or footwear; and functional items like key chains.

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