Children's Jewellery Containing Lead - Fact Sheet

2009
ISBN: 978-0-662-06330-8
Cat. No.: H128-1/08-561
HC Pub.: 4535

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Danger of Poisoning

Lead is a soft, heavy metal that is poisonous when absorbed into the body. Wearing jewellery containing lead does not cause harm, but children sucking, chewing or swallowing this type of jewellery can cause damage to their bodies, especially to their nervous system. While some jewellery may have paint or a top coating, this does not make the jewellery safer for children because the coating can be chewed or worn off.

Lead is often used to make jewellery because it is inexpensive and easy to shape. Items that are made with a high percentage of lead are heavy for their size. Unless the item has a coating, it will be greyish in colour and may leave a grey mark when rubbed against a piece of white paper.

In Canada, it is illegal to import, advertise or sell jewellery designed for children which contains more than the allowable lead limits as set out in the Canadian regulations.

Safety Tips

• Check your child's jewellery. If you suspect it may contain lead, throw it out in your regular household waste.
• Do not give young children adult jewellery to wear or play with; it may contain lead.
• Do not allow children to suck or chew on any jewellery.
• If your child has sucked or chewed regularly on jewellery which you think may contain lead, ask your doctor to test your child's blood for lead.
• A child who swallows a jewellery item containing lead is at high risk of developing lead poisoning. Contact an emergency medical service if you believe your child has swallowed an item containing lead.
• Check for product recalls by contacting the retailer, manufacturer or Health Canada at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps-recalls.

For more information contact Product Safety, Health Canada.

1-866-662-0666
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps
cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca