AP Cadmium in Jewelry Fallout (CPSC says take cheap jewelry away-- and senator calls for a cadmium ban)

In response to the AP report about toxic cadmium in cheap jewelry for children, the NY Times reports some recent developments in this article.  It includes a recommendation to parents from the chief of the CPSC:

"'I have a message for parents, grandparents and caregivers: Do not allow young children to be given or to play with cheap metal jewelry, especially when they are unsupervised,'' wrote Inez Tenenbaum, the chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. ''We have proof that lead in children's jewelry is dangerous and was pervasive in the marketplace. To prevent young children from possibly being exposed to lead, cadmium or any other hazardous heavy metal, take the jewelry away.''


He also said they are beginning a full investigation of cadmium in jewelry with the safety of children paramount in their minds.  Very good. But don't wait, parents, take his advice.  


And from the same article, check out the quick response from Charles Schumer, Senator from New York:


"Earlier Wednesday, a senior U.S. senator unveiled legislation to ban cadmium and two other heavy metals from children's jewelry and toys.


''It is just despicable that a manufacturer anywhere, in this case in China, would use something that's known to be poisonous to children and put it in children's jewelry to save a few bucks,'' New York Democrat Charles E. Schumer told reporters outside a dollar store in Rochester, N.Y., that sold charm bracelets with high cadmium content.

Schumer plans to introduce the ''Safe Kids' Jewelry Act'' when Congress resumes session next week."

Thanks, Senator Schumer!  Non-Toxics agrees-- cadmium should be banned, and companies that knowingly used this toxin should be face legal and political consequences.