New Lead Laws Affect Children’s Jewelry

[Russ Nobbs]

California joined Connecticut, Illinois, and Minnesota as states that have passed legislation addressing the use of cadmium in children's jewelry.

CA set the acceptable level of Cadmium to less than 300 ppm

http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=34527

[steav]

we use only precious metal components (sterling silver), we don't have to worry about the lead issue...?

[Russ Nobbs]

Hi steav,

If you use only sterling you should occasionally verify that the sterling is not contaminated with cadmium.
Soldered components may be made with solder that contains cadmium that will raise the level above allowable limits.

With the current very high price of silver, sterling silver from India (wire, fabricated and cast) is sometimes "underkarated" by adding as much as 30% Cadmium. This has 3 problems.
1) It is NOT sterling.
2) It has too much cadmium for any jewelry use.
3) The quality is not easily tested with nitric acid that reveals high copper content, but not high cadmium.

Be sure your supplier tests their silver for quality and will guarantee the quality.

[matekat]

New products, existing stock must be tested and certified that it meets lead standards

[jaytourist]

I think we must be very careful in choosing jewelries for our kids. So, we should purchase in trusted stores.

[Russ Nobbs]

Update on cadmium in children's jewelry:

The ASTM F-15.24 Subcommittee on Children's Jewelry has developed a Children's Jewelry Safety Standard in response to various federal and state efforts to limit cadmium in children's jewelry. The proposed standard, which was voted on by subcommittee members in April and early May, would establish a 300 parts per million (ppm) total weight cadmium screening limit for children's jewelry--both fashion and fine--with children defined as age 12 and under.

MJSA, which is a member of the ASTM subcommittee, voted to approve the standard. Once it is approved by the subcommittee, there are several more votes needed before it becomes an official document. The subcommittee is chaired by the Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Association (FJATA) and features participants from government, consumer protection groups, and individual companies that make or sell children's jewelry. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) often incorporates relevant ASTM standards into its regulations, and it announced in February 2011 that it would defer the adoption of regulations on cadmium in children's jewelry for at least six months, to wait for the completion of the Children's Jewelry Safety Standard.

[Russ Nobbs]

Update on CPSIA and Used goods:
See article at http://www.timesleader.com/news/Thrift__consignment_shops_laud_change_in_lead_law_08-15-2011.html

"The 29-page bill signed into law on Friday has provisions to exclude used children’s products from the lead limit with the exception of children’s metal jewelry and any children’s product that the donating party or the seller has actual knowledge of the product being in violation of the lead limits. The National Association of Resale Professionals lauded the congressional action."

[Russ Nobbs]

Update on movements to modify and improve CPSIA guidelines:
http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=691614174&message_id=1292532&user_id=CRAFT&group_id=611601