Jewelry makers OK cadmium limits

September 27, 2011|Associated Press

The rules join mandatory limits that already deter use of the heavy metal. (CPSC via Associated Press/File )

LOS ANGELES - Hammered by more than a year of recalls and legal setbacks, the US jewelry industry has agreed to voluntarily limit the toxic metal cadmium in children’s trinkets - and, in the process, has helped write new federal regulations of its products.

The rules join a patchwork of mandatory limits that already deter use of the heavy metal, which over time can cause cancer and other diseases, though there have been no documented deaths or serious injuries. While the voluntary standards don’t trump stricter limits from states and legal settlements, they do create a consensus national standard that jewelry manufacturers and importers endorse.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission will use the limits in deciding whether to pursue product recalls.

The agency has argued that voluntary limits were the appropriate - and fastest - way to create a common understanding of what would constitute a problem piece of jewelry. The agency said that unless it finds widespread failure to comply, it will not seek mandatory rules.

Several states have passed laws to deal with cadmium over the past year. Like the states, the private sector is helping fill a void left by the lack of clear federal limits.

In response to an Associated Press investigation, the CPSC last year helped recall about 300,000 pieces of high-cadmium necklaces, bracelet, and rings. The AP reported that some jewelry was more than 90 percent cadmium.

The standard may take effect by early November.