Most toys and jewelry sold in the U.S. are deemed safe, but a government agency says that some could have dangerous chemicals and is asking that manufacturers limit the amount of cadmium in their products.
A toxic heavy metal - cadmium - is the cause of serious respiratory problems, including lung cancer, when it's inhaled. That's why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) asked industry officials to create their own limits for cadmium in their products. A number of retailers, including Dress Barn, recalled a host of artificial jewelry, including earrings, bracelets and necklaces, after determining they contained levels of cadmium.
Other products were recalled because of excessive cadmium levels, including promotional glasses sold by McDonald's. The popular fast food chain offered customers a refund for the toxic glasses. According to the CPSC, testing determined that low levels of cadmium could cause serious injuries to children if inhaled or swallowed and could also affect the liver and kidneys for if exposed to cadmium for lengthy periods of time.
The CPSC could have instituted its own rules on cadmium levels in products. Instead, it wants voluntary participation from toy and jewelry makers on cadmium limits and asked ASTM International, which sets the industry standards, to consider removing cadmium from its list of approved chemicals. The request by the CPSC for voluntary controls allows for faster implementation of the rules than setting mandatory limits.
The CPSC did make new exposure recommendations for cadmium testing and the maximum intake levels for children after the Environmental Protection Agency said it would institute new cadmium regulations if the CPSC failed to act. But all are waiting for the industry reviews before determining how and when to institute new cadmium rules.
For more information on product defect injuries, contact a skilled New York City personal injury attorney. A New York lawyer can help you understand your rights following harmful cadmium exposure.
