Warning: Toxic Jewelry

There are so many things out there in the world that can harm your child that it can drive a parent crazy trying to keep up and worry about all of them. One of the last things parents would expect to bring harm to their child would be jewelry. Media outlets everywhere have released warnings about certain types of children’s jewelry that is shipped in from China. This jewelry can contain Cadmium, a heavy metal that is more toxic than lead.

The cheap jewelry in question is sold nationwide in large-chain stores like Wal-Mart and Claire’s. Some of the jewelry that has been tested has been shown to be made almost entirely of Cadmium. Long-term exposure to this heavy metal can have devastating effects on children and adults alike including kidney damage, lung damage and fragile bones.

The jewelry suspected to contain toxic levels of Cadmium include children’s charm bracelets and pendants, like this Rudolph pendant. Other pieces include “The Princess and the Frog” themed jewelry sold at stores like Claire’s. Wal-Mart stores have pulled many of the suspected toxic jewelry from its shelves as a safety precaution. Federal law agents have also gotten involved in the situation to dispose of and prevent more toxic jewelry from entering the US and making its way onto store shelves.

The best course of action is to be aware of the possible risk and thoroughly inspect packaging of anything you buy for your child. If the packaging on a piece of jewelry says “Made in China” it might be better to play it on the safe side and choose something different. Lawmakers are in the process of passing new laws banning Cadmium usage in the United States but it hasn’t happened yet. Most stores have also pulled anything they deem dangerous, but you can never be too safe!