Not All That Glitters is Gold - Cadmium in Jewellery

Posted by Ben White on يونيو 22, 2019

By Dr. Ted Zava, ZRT Laboratory.

Have you considered what metals make up jewellery when shopping for jewellery. Especially what metals make up earrings, bracelets, rings, and other shiny items? A report by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) in California detailed that cadmium was present in numerous jewellery items tested from stores [1]. The amount of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, ranged from 40-100% in the items testing positive.

Is Cadmium Allowed in Jewellery?

Surprisingly, there are no restrictions on the amount of cadmium allowed in adult jewellery in the United States. There is a limit of 0.03% cadmium in children’s jewellery in California, a result of a settlement in 2011, after it was found at high levels in jewellery marketed toward pre-teens [2]. Children are more likely to be exposed to cadmium in jewellery as they might swallow or chew on the metal pieces. The European Commission banned cadmium in all jewellery sold in Europe starting in 2011 [3].

Why is Cadmium in Jewellery?

At some point cadmium became a popular replacement for lead in jewellery, likely due to an increase in lead restrictions. Cadmium is used to add mass and weight to jewellery and can add a shiny finish. Cadmium has a lower melting point than metals such as zinc, reducing the energy required to melt it into shape.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) lists cadmium as the number 7 most significant threat to human health

Why is Cadmium Dangerous?

Cadmium is a dangerous heavy metal and a known carcinogen [4]. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) lists cadmium as the number 7 most significant threat to human health, based on its frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure [5]. Cadmium has a half life in the body around 10-30 years, meaning that a single exposure event can stick around for nearly a lifetime. As we age, cadmium body burden slowly increases. Cadmium primarily targets kidneys and bones, but can also be detrimental to reproductive health. Although inhalation is the most dangerous route of exposure (10-50% absorption), ingestion (2.5-5% absorption) and dermal (0.5% absorption) exposure are also dangerous, especially at high concentrations [6].

How do I Protect Myself?

There is no simple way to tell if jewellery contains cadmium or not just by looking at it. Buying jewellery that is made locally or its metal content verified by the retailer can reduce the risk of cadmium exposure. Non-metal decorative items such as ceramic, leather, plastic, or fiber can be worn instead. Our (ZRT) Laboratory offers two ways to test for exposure to cadmium. Whole blood cadmium is the best indicator of recent exposure (months), while urine cadmium is the best indicator of long term exposure (years). Overall, it is best to avoid any exposure to cadmium, as it will surely stick around for a long period of time.

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