Wal-Mart has pulled numerous defective products off its shelves -- primarily toys and children's jewelry -- that are said to have high levels of cadmium. This comes one day after an Associated Press investigative report documenting the contamination and stating that some Chinese manufacturers have been using cadmium at extraordinarily high levels. Wal-Mart officials said they found the report "troubling" and believe that it is their responsibility to remove these dangerous products from their store shelves.

Response to Cadmium-Tainted Jewelry

The report also elicited quick response from federal product safety regulators and lawmakers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has strict regulations when it comes to lead-based products. However, cadmium is believed to be far more poisonous and harmful than lead. Cadmium is popular among Chinese product manufacturers because it is inexpensive and easy to work with. However, like lead, ingesting cadmium can lead to severe brain injury in young children. CPSC officials are now issuing statements to manufacturers in other countries that cadmium, antimony or barium cannot be substitutes for lead in children's products. The commission has promised to open an investigation into the news agency's findings and take "quick action."

Among the products tested by the Associated Press were four charms from two "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" charm bracelets, which contained 82 to 91 percent cadmium. Charms on a "Best Friends" bracelet contained 89 to 91 percent of cadmium. And pendants from four "The Princess and the Frog" necklaces bought at Walk-Mart contained 25 to 35 percent cadmium. AP conducted lab tests on 103 pieces of cheap children's jewelry such as charm bracelets and pendants from around the country, including California. A majority were imported from China. Some testing also showed that some of the product easily shed cadmium, further elevating poisoning concerns.

Product Liability Concerns

I'm glad to note that Wal-Mart is taking immediate action. I also hope the CPSC enforces these regulations and holds negligent manufacturers or importers responsible. That said, like all parents and grandparents, I shudder to think what our children have been exposed to. Young children have a tendency to suck or bite into such jewelry. This can cause devastating health effects including cancer, kidneys that leak vital protein, and bones that spontaneously snap. Substituting one poison for another in our children's products is simply unacceptable. If your child has been injured by these dangerous and defective products, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out more information about your legal rights and options.

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