Cadmium is the new lead when it comes to concerns about contamination in children's products. While government regulations restrict lead, cadmium is a newly recognized danger. Chris Olsen shows you what you need to know before you shop.
McDonald's recalled 12 million "Shrek" glasses in June. The designs contained cadmium. Justice jewelry distributed by Tween Brands was also recently recalled because it, too, contained cadmium.
And high levels of lead prompted the recall of a child's board book and colourful belts and coin purses this year as well.
"Children's developing bodies are vulnerable to damage from lead and cadmium. And cadmium exposure over the long-term poses health risks to adults," Consumer Reports' Bob Tiernan said.
Consumer Reports, with the help of an outside lab, just tested more than 30 children's and household products that testers suspected might contain heavy metals.
"Most of the products did not contain potentially hazardous levels of lead or cadmium. But two were of particular concern," Tiernan said.
A cell-phone charm from Claire's had very high levels of lead -- levels that could be hazardous if it's swallowed by a child.
And two Kidorable Bumble-Bee raincoats purchased late last year had worrisome levels of lead. Kidorable says it has reformulated the raincoats and they're now labeled "lead-free."
"Our tests of coats labeled ‘lead-free' found only low or trace amounts of lead - well below federal limits," Tiernan said.
But Consumer Reports says "lead-free" assurances are not necessarily a guarantee. Jewelry-maker Christine Canny says small metal beads, purchased from China, were marketed as "lead-free." She was suspicious and decided to have them tested.
"And they all came back with high amounts of lead," she said.
So despite tough standards on lead, Consumer Reports says potentially hazardous products are still making their way into the marketplace.
Health Canada is currently working on restrictions for cadmium.
As a general rule of thumb Consumer Reports recommends you don't let children play with cheap metal jewelry, or even your keys which can contain lead or Cadmium.
To see if any of the toys you own have been recalled, you can go to the Health Canada Consumer Product Safety website.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
