Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This article highlights findings from German surveillance authorities that in 2018, 12.6% of inexpensive fashion jewelry—mostly from China—exceeded permissible limits for lead and cadmium, with some pieces composed almost entirely of these heavy metals. Given the serious health risks from long-term exposure, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety urges caution when purchasing cheap fashion jewelry.
Fashion Jewelry May Contain Excessive Lead and Cadmium
12 February 2020
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In 2018, inexpensive fashion jewelry, primarily from China, was tested by German surveillance authorities for lead and cadmium. Result: In every eighth piece of jewelry examined (12.6%), the permissible limit was exceeded. Some pieces even consisted almost entirely of lead or cadmium.
Since long-term intake of high amounts of heavy metals can lead to serious health problems, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) advises caution when purchasing cheap fashion jewelry.
As early as 2015, fashion jewelry was tested for the heavy metals lead and cadmium by authorities in the German federal states as part of the Nationwide Surveillance Plan (BÜp). It was found that the limit values for lead and cadmium were not complied with in up to 20% of the samples. These findings were confirmed by the surveillance authorities of the states in subsequent years.
In a follow-up program, therefore, in the BÜp 2018, inexpensive fashion jewelry items, predominantly imported goods from China offered at markets, were examined again. Here too, the limit values for lead and cadmium were sometimes significantly exceeded. Of the 257 samples tested for their lead content and the 286 samples tested for their cadmium content, approximately 8% each exceeded the respective limit values. In some of the total 296 pieces of jewelry examined, the measured lead or cadmium content was even over 90%.
The use of lead and cadmium in jewelry is strictly regulated under chemicals law. The limit values for jewelry items are 0.01% for cadmium and 0.05% for lead, each based on the weight of the total product or its uniform parts.
Long-term intake of high amounts of heavy metals can lead to health problems. Lead can, among other things, damage the nervous system and lead to infertility. Cadmium and cadmium oxide are classified as carcinogenic. Cadmium can also cause bone and kidney damage.
It becomes particularly dangerous when children put such contaminated jewelry pendants or chains in their mouths while playing, lick them, suck on them, or swallow them. When purchasing jewelry, especially for children, it is therefore recommended to visit a trusted dealer or a specialist shop.
Through the European Rapid Alert System for dangerous consumer products (RAPEX), the responsible authorities in the EU exchange information about dangerous or potentially dangerous products such as cosmetics, clothing, and toys. The high lead and cadmium levels in fashion jewelry determined by official laboratories are also reflected in the RAPEX reports of recent years.
For cadmium in jewelry, a total of 150 RAPEX reports were made between 2015 and 2019. For 78% of these reports, the country of origin was given as China. For lead in jewelry, a total of 62 RAPEX reports were made in the same period, with 58% of the products originating from China.
For every product sold in the European Union, a company based in the EU bears responsibility. This company must ensure the safety and legal conformity of the product and be named on the product packaging. For products not manufactured in the EU, this would be the EU importer, who must be stated with their EU address. If this information is missing, the product does not meet the legal requirements of the European Union.
Further Information:
http://www.bvl.bund.de/buep
• Nationwide Surveillance Plan (BÜp) 2018
http://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/343/kinder-sollten-keinen-bleihaltigen-modeschmuck-tra…
• BfR Opinion “Children should not wear lead-containing fashion jewelry”