Cadmium in Children's Jewellery Products

Backgrounder
July 2011

News Release: Harper Government Takes Action to Protect Children from Dangerous Products

What is cadmium?

Cadmium is a heavy metal which is known to be highly toxic when ingested.

What are the health risks?

There is no known risk to health from simply wearing jewellery made with high levels of cadmium.  However, Health Canada's risk assessment has concluded that there are serious health risks associated with swallowing, sucking or chewing jewellery that contains high levels of cadmium.

What is Health Canada Doing?

• In 2008 and 2009, Health Canada carried out national marketplace surveys for children's jewellery.  Tests showed that some inexpensive jewellery contained high levels of cadmium.
• In January and May 2010, Health Canada issued advisories warning of lead and cadmium in children's jewellery. 
• Last October, as a first step, Health Canada appealed to members of industry to voluntarily stop the production, importation and sale of children's jewellery made with cadmium or cadmium-containing materials. 
• In July 2011, Health Canada posted a draft Risk Assessment Report which proposes a guideline for total cadmium in children's jewellery of 130 parts per million (which is the same as saying 130 mg/kg or 0.013%).  It is believed this level would protect children from cadmium poisoning following accidental ingestion, or prolonged licking and sucking, of these products.
• Stakeholders affected by this proposal have until October 10, 2011 to provide comments.  After considering comments, Health Canada will confirm a guideline for cadmium in children's jewellery.  
• Health Canada considers the proposed guideline to be protective of children's health based on current science.  If a product is found to exceed this guideline, Health Canada may follow up with the supplier and conduct a risk assessment of the specific product, as appropriate.  If the product poses an unreasonable hazard, the Department will take appropriate compliance and enforcement action under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, which could include issuing orders for recalls or other corrective measures, or even prosecution.
• The Department plans to continue monitoring children's jewellery to gauge the existing levels of cadmium. 
• Health Canada may also seek the introduction of regulations limiting cadmium in children's jewellery via the federal regulatory process.

Visit Health Canada's website for more information on checking children's jewellery for safety.