The US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CDC) has announced that it is investigating the presence of cadmium in children’s jewelry imported from China. The Associated Press tested 106 pieces of jewelry and found that 12% contained cadmium content of at least 10%. Cadmium, which ranks seventh on the CDC’s priority list of hazardous environmental substances, can slow children’s brain development. It is suspected that cadmium is being used in the products as a substitute for lead. The use of cadmium in toys is restricted, but its use in jewelry is not.

Source: Associated Press