Cadmium found in adult jewelry CBC.ca
New testing has found high levels of cadmium in adult necklaces and bracelets bought at three leading retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, says a California environmental group.
In its analysis, the Center for Environmental Health did an initial screening of 97 jewelry items with a technology called XRF, which uses X-rays to estimate how much of a metal is in an item.
Alarmingly high levels of cadmium were detected in seven pieces, some containing as much as 75 per cent cadmium by weight. While most of the jewelry pieces were moderately priced, at least one, purchased at Saks, cost $70 US.
A Saks Inc. spokeswoman said the firm had "received a letter from the CEH today and are reviewing and evaluating this matter."
Four jewelry pieces with the highest concentration of cadmium were sent to a Chicago-based lab, Stat Analysis, for detailed analysis, according to centre spokesman Charles Margulis.
Based on the results of its testing, the Center for Environmental Health said it would seek a ban on cadmium in all jewelry.
Known carcinogenCadmium is used primarily in rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries, as well as in pigments, electroplating and plastic, and is a known carcinogen, particularly when it is inhaled in a factory or other workplace.
The exact risks to adults aren't clear because typically the metal takes long-term exposure to cause disease.
Children's jewelry has been of particular concern because kids bite and suck on jewelry — something far less common among adults.
