Toxics watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has raised alarm over the widespread sale of lucky charm bracelets containing dangerous levels of cadmium, a toxic metal, ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations.
In a statement on Sunday, Jan. 26, the group called on the government to take urgent action to regulate the production and sale of such items to protect public health and the environment.
Cadmium, which has the atomic number 48 and symbol Cd, is “among the 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO),” EcoWaste stated.
The WHO has warned that “cadmium exerts toxic effects on the kidneys as well as the skeletal and respiratory systems (and) is classified as a human carcinogen.”
EcoWaste said it tested 25 bracelets purchased from retailers in Quiapo, Manila, and found that 18 contained Pi Yao components with cadmium content exceeding 10 percent, or over 100,000 parts per million (ppm), measured using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. Such level of cadmium, the group noted, is far above the European Union’s restriction of not more than 0.01 percent cadmium in jewelry.
“While cadmium in jewelry is restricted in the European Union (EU) to not more than 0.01 percent (or 100 ppm) by weight of metal beads and other components, the cadmium levels we found are mind-blowing,” EcoWaste stressed.
The group pointed out that seven of the bracelets screened negative for cadmium.
“The golden Pi Yao in the remaining seven items screened negative for cadmium content, a concrete proof that cadmium use in jewelry making can be eliminated.”
EcoWaste also expressed concern over the lack of labeling on the products.
“None of the 25 lucky bracelets were properly labeled and none of the high-cadmium items provided any cadmium content information and precautionary warnings, keeping consumers in the dark about potential cadmium exposure risks, especially for children,” the group said.
Citing the Department of Health of New York State, the EcoWaste warned that “the greatest potential for exposure comes from swallowing a jewelry piece. However, exposure also occurs from repeated biting, sucking, or mouthing the jewelry piece or from frequent hand-to-mouth contact after handling a jewelry piece. These behaviors are common in children younger than six. The amount of exposure depends on how much cadmium is in the piece of jewelry, and how often and for how long a child bites, sucks, or mouths it.”
EcoWaste called on manufacturers, distributors, and sellers to ensure that their products are tested, certified, and labeled cadmium-safe.
“In line with the consumers’ right to know, we urge jewelry manufacturers, distributors, and sellers to label and disclose the chemical composition of their products, including the hazards they pose if any to humans and the environment,” the group said.
The EcoWaste also called on the government to address regulatory gaps.