January 14, 2010

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has initiated a formal investigation into the alleged use of cadmium in children's products.

The CPSC response comes after an Associated Press report on January 11, 2010 revealed that tests it had performed on a sampling of children's jewelry found that some of the products tested contained anywhere from 82 to 91 percent cadmium by weight.  The tested items were manufactured in China.

Cadmium is a known carcinogen and can hinder brain development in the very young.  Children can be exposed to cadmium by regularly sucking or biting on jewelry with a high cadmium content.

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said the agency will develop "mandatory standards, as needed," to deal with heavy metals such as cadmium, antimony, and barium in products intended for children.  Currently, cadmium is regulated in painted toys but not in jewelry.

STR's state-of-the-art testing laboratories have the capability to test for cadmium and other contaminants.  Our hazard prevention program for toys includes comprehensive design evaluation, safety testing, audit, inspection, and responsible sourcing services.  For more information, contact us at info@STRQuality.com.