By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: January 10, 2010
Filed at 11:25 p.m. ET
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Barred from using lead in children’s jewelry because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows.
The most contaminated piece analyzed in lab testing performed for the AP contained a startling 91 percent cadmium by weight. The cadmium content of other contaminated trinkets, all purchased at national and regional chains or franchises, tested at 89 percent, 86 percent and 84 percent by weight. The testing also showed that some items easily shed the heavy metal, raising additional concerns about the levels of exposure to children.
A spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which regulates children’s products, said Sunday that the agency ”is opening an investigation” and ”will take action as quickly as possible to protect the safety of children.”
