New York passed a new bill to restrict Cadmium levels in Children’s jewelry

The New York State Senate today passed a measure that would prohibit the sale of children’s jewelry which may contain harmful levels of cadmium and other hazardous substances. The bill (S.4055A) protects children from accidentally ingesting cadmium, often used in inexpensive charm bracelets, pendants and other jewelry.

Restricts on cadmium level in children’s jewelry in this bill are showed below:
300ppm cadmium in metal substrates with a migration option that must yield less than 200mg
300ppm cadmium in plastic substrates with a migration option that must yield less than 75 mg

Cadmium is a known carcinogen, which can hinder brain development in children and cause kidney, lung and intestinal damage. A 2009 report by the Associated Press (AP) found that Chinese manufacturers have been substituting cadmium for lead to make inexpensive jewelry which is then being sold by retailers in New York and other states. While lead is toxic to children at high exposure, cadmium has been linked to potential health issues at lower exposures.

Children can be exposed to cadmium by accidentally swallowing a piece of jewelry or by putting it in their mouth. When the jewelry becomes bitten, scratched, or damaged - which is likely with continued use by young children - exposure risk increases.

This legislation restricts the use of cadmium and other hazardous substances in children’s jewelry, including in paint and surface coatings.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.