By Dr. Ted Zava, ZRT Laboratory
Have you ever considered what metals make up the jewellery you wear? 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. 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 2011 settlement after it was found at high levels in jewellery marketed toward pre-teens. Children are more likely to be exposed to cadmium in jewellery as they might swallow or chew on metal pieces. The European Commission banned cadmium in all jewellery sold in Europe starting in 2011 — a regulation that applies to the UK market.
Why Is Cadmium Used 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. It also has a lower melting point than metals such as zinc, reducing the energy required to melt it into shape — making it attractive to low-cost manufacturers.
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.
Why Is Cadmium Dangerous?
A Known Carcinogen with a Decades-Long Half-Life
Cadmium is a dangerous heavy metal and a known carcinogen. The ATSDR lists cadmium as the number 7 most significant threat to human health. Cadmium has a half-life in the body of around 10–30 years, meaning that a single exposure event can remain in the body for nearly a lifetime. As we age, cadmium body burden slowly increases.
Cadmium primarily targets the 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.
The Reproductive and Hormonal Impact
Cadmium is also an endocrine disruptor. Research has shown it can mimic oestrogen in the body, binding to oestrogen receptors and interfering with normal hormonal signalling. This makes it particularly concerning for women of reproductive age and those already navigating hormonal imbalances. If you are concerned about how toxic metal exposure may be affecting your hormonal health, our Toxic Heavy Metals & Elements testing page explains how at-home testing works and what to look for.
How to Protect Yourself
Reducing Exposure
There is no simple way to tell if jewellery contains cadmium just by looking at it. Practical steps to reduce your risk include:
- Buying jewellery made locally or with metal content verified by the retailer
- Choosing non-metal decorative items such as ceramic, leather, plastic or fibre
- Avoiding cheap imported jewellery, particularly items with a very shiny or heavy finish
- Keeping jewellery away from children who may chew or swallow small pieces
Testing Your Cadmium Levels
There are two key ways to test for cadmium exposure. Whole blood cadmium is the best indicator of recent exposure (months), while urine cadmium is the best indicator of long-term exposure (years). Our Elements Profile (Dried Urine) tests for cadmium and other toxic elements from a simple at-home urine collection. For a comprehensive assessment of both recent and cumulative exposure, our Comprehensive Elements Profile (Dried Blood & Urine Spot) measures cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic and a full panel of essential nutrients in a single kit.
Overall, it is best to avoid any exposure to cadmium where possible — as it will surely remain in the body for a very long time.
Related Tests
ELEMENTS PROFILE — DRIED URINE
COMPREHENSIVE ELEMENTS PROFILE — DRIED BLOOD & URINE SPOT
References
- CEH: Toxic Metal Found in Chain Store Jewellery
- CEH Cadmium Report 2010
- European Commission: Cadmium Ban in Jewellery
- ATSDR: Cadmium Toxicological Profile
- ATSDR: Substance Priority List
- ATSDR: Cadmium Exposure Pathways
Originally by Dr. Ted Zava, ZRT Laboratory. Reproduced with permission. Last reviewed: May 2026.