Cadmium in Toys Poses New Danger, Reports AP
Some toys made of more than 90 percent of the toxic metal cadmium
Cadmium is a soft, light-colored metal that is used in certain types of batteries but is rarely used for other purposes due to growing awareness of its toxicity and properties as a known carcinogen. The results of a recent Associated Press report reveal a disturbing trend, however, in which toy manufacturers are substituting cadmium for lead.
In 2008, Congress voted to drastically reduce the legal amount of lead in children’s toys after a string of recalls on imported toys containing high levels of the metal, which can cause lead poisoning. In early 2009 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the new lead regulations, and is now cracking down on manufacturers using cadmium.
“All of us should be committed to keeping hazardous or toxic levels of heavy metals out of … toys and children’s products,” said CPSC Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum in an address to an international toy safety conference.
The Associated Press report tested more than 100 pieces of children’s jewelry made in China and sold at major retailers nationwide. Twelve percent of the toys were made of at least 10 percent cadmium, and some as high as 25 to 91 percent.
The toys in question were sold at popular stores including Wal-mart, Claire’s, dollar stores nationwide and some of the toys containing cadmium included Disney movie-themed “Princess and the Frog” jewelry.
