Cadmium in Children’s Jewelry

Approved: 2010

Retired: 2017

Whereas, Manufacturers of children’s jewelry, especially outside the United States, have been warned not to substitute the toxin, Cadmium, for lead; and

Whereas, Cadmium, which is known to cause cancer, is a soft, whitish metal that occurs naturally in soil; and

Whereas, Cadmium is attractive to manufacturers because it is cheap and easy to work with; and

Whereas, Recent studies show that Cadmium, like lead, will hinder brain development in the very young; and

Whereas, In a test, run by the Associated Press, high levels of Cadmium were found in the very popular movie-themed pendants found in well-known stores in the United States; and be it

Resolved, That the New Jersey PTA, its County Councils and Local PTAs support U.S. Congress bills H.R. 4428 and S. 2975 that will prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution in commerce of children’s jewelry containing cadmium, barium, or antimony, and for other purposes.