The trouble with cadmium

Cadmium is an extremely toxic metal that is used in batteries, industrial paints, metal coatings and as a stabilizer for plastics. It is mainly produced as a byproduct of smelting and refining of zinc concentrates.

You may have heard of cadmium in the news in the past six months, after an Associated Press (AP) report in January found high levels of cadmium in inexpensive children's jewelry products.

This was alarming because children often put things like jewelry in their mouths, which introduces cadmium directly into their bodies, increasing health risks for kidney problems, bone issues, immune system suppression and cancer.

After the AP report, a slew of recalls began to take place including charm bracelets from Claire's Boutiques, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer charms sold nationwide, Wal-Mart's line of Miley Cyrus-branded necklaces and bracelets, Shrek decorated glasses from McDonald's, and even bracelets and rings given to children as a reward at the doctor's office!

It's obvious that cadmium needs to be out of these products now. As toxicologist Bruce A Fowler told the NY Daily News, "There's nothing positive that you can say about this metal. It's a poison."

Many states have been working hard on cadmium bans, and they are in place in Connecticut beginning in 2014, and Minnesota beginning in 2011.

You can get all the facts about cadmium including the products where it's found, the health concerns with cadmium, and updates on the bans on our new cadmium fact sheet.