Barred from using lead in children’s jewelry because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States.

National Jeweler, Chinese authorities crack down on cadmium jewelry

Beijing--Product safety officials in China are currently investigating and warning the nation's jewelry manufacturers against using cadmium, a cancer-causing metal that was found in high levels earlier this year in children's jewelry sold in U.S. stores, the Associated Press has reported.

The crackdown was spurred by an AP investigative report released in January, which revealed that lab tests conducted on 103 pieces of low-priced children's jewelry manufactured in China and sold in the United States found 12 items with dangerously high levels of cadmium.

In the wake of the report, Wal-Mart pulled cadmium-suspect jewelry from its shelves, as did accessories retailer Claire's, teen clothing and accessories retailer Aeropostale and Saks Fifth Avenue outlet stores.

My advice to parents is not to allow children under the age of six to play with any metal jewelry since it is impossible for them to determine if the jewelry contains dangerous metals.

I'm surprised that Walmart doesn't test and inspect Chinese products before placing them on their shelves. Especially since so many Chinese products have been documented to have killed consumers. This only shows the contempt they hold for their customers.