Parents across the country are both frightened and outraged this week over more reports of toxic chemicals in children’s toys and jewelry. It seems that some manufacturers have chosen to comply with the new lead limits by substituting an even more dangerous chemical.
This story has struck up a debate about a recall on Chinese jewelry and toys which contain the chemical cadmium, which is known to cause cancer and other health problems if digested. The Associated Press reported that, “cadmium is attractive to Chinese manufacturers because it is cheap and easy to work with. But, like lead, it can hinder brain development in the very young, recent research shows.”
Congress attempted to safeguard children from the dangers of lead by placing a ban on it; however, it is important to understand that substitutes for the metal can be just as harmful. Although cadmium is not technically banned, it is still particularly dangerous for children if sucked on or swallowed. Once the toxic chemicals are absorbed, serious irreversible damage to the liver and kidneys can develop. Other health problems include the delaying of brain development, which could potentially lead to learning disabilities, as well as long term brain damage. Even in low concentrations, the chemical is still very hazardous.
In response to these threats, Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN) has insisted on a hearing over the use of metal in children’s toys. Outraged, she is protesting for a full investigation on all products containing cadmium and urges retailers to keep these unsafe products out of their stores. Along with Klobuchar, Senator Charles Schumer has proposed legislation to ban the metal. The problem, Schumer says, is that “the products aren’t labeled” and “we have to prevent it when it comes in the store.” Fortunately, two of the largest US retailers, Walmart and Claire’s, are taking action by removing products that contain cadmium from their shelves.
In 2007, the Center for Disease Control (DC) released a Priority List of Hazardous Substances, and cadmium is ranked 7th out of 275. We recommend keeping your children away from toys containing cadmium and to be aware of the dangers in lead substitutes.
This week’s cadmium scares demonstrate the unintended consequences of well-intended legislation. Congress placed restrictions on both lead and phthalates in children’s products through the CPSIA but did not consider what manufacturers would replace them with.
This incident represents what can happen when one dangerous chemical is replaced by another hazardous substance. But the consequences can be even more concerning when a safe chemical is banned—which is exactly the case with phthalates. While the phthalates used in children’s products have been extensively risk assessed and approved by leading government panels, none of the alternative plasticizers have been studied by a U.S. government agency. Banning-even temporarily-a proven safe substance from our children’s products exposes them to potential harm. In order to avoid future toxic toys scares we must encourage testing on all chemicals present in our children’s products.
