If Cadmium is Toxic then how does it get in jewelry so often?

  • Thread starter Jurrasic
  • Start date
In summary, there are concerns about the use of cadmium in jewelry due to its toxicity. Many sources suggest that safer metals, such as nickel or aluminum, could be used instead, but producers often prioritize availability, pricing, and ease of metalworking to keep costs low. This raises questions about the economic motivations behind using cadmium despite its potential health risks.
  • #1
Jurrasic
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There are so many sources stating that Cadnium is toxic, so why is it put into jewelry that can easily be (and should be) made of safer metals such as nickel, or whatever would be safer, aluminum maybe? They want the jewelry to be cheap, but there are other metals that are cheap and safer, Cadnimum is more toxic than lead even according to various sources.

This is an article stating these claims, and there are others if anyone wants to understand the question here more:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35207539/ns/health-health_care/t/cadmium-found-adult-jewelry-too/
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2


This is not a chemical question, this is an economical question. There are three factors - availability, pricing, ease of metalworking. Producers select material that will be available, cheap and easy to work with, to be sure they can make the jewelry cheap and fast. They don't care much about anything else, unless forced by regulations.
 

FAQ: If Cadmium is Toxic then how does it get in jewelry so often?

How does cadmium get into jewelry?

Cadmium can get into jewelry through several different methods. One way is through the use of cadmium-containing alloys, which are often used in the production of inexpensive jewelry. Another way is through the contamination of metal surfaces during the plating process, where cadmium can be accidentally introduced.

Is cadmium always present in jewelry?

No, cadmium is not always present in jewelry. While it is commonly found in inexpensive jewelry, many manufacturers have switched to alternative materials in response to concerns about its toxicity. Additionally, regulations have been put in place in some countries to limit the use of cadmium in jewelry.

How does cadmium exposure from jewelry affect human health?

Cadmium exposure from jewelry can have negative effects on human health. It is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time and cause damage to the kidneys, lungs, and bones. Long-term exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Are there any regulations in place to limit cadmium in jewelry?

Yes, there are regulations in place in some countries to limit the use of cadmium in jewelry. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) sets limits on the amount of cadmium that can be present in children's jewelry. The European Union also has regulations in place to restrict the use of cadmium in jewelry.

How can consumers protect themselves from cadmium exposure through jewelry?

Consumers can protect themselves from cadmium exposure by being aware of the materials used in the jewelry they purchase. They can also choose to buy jewelry from reputable and trusted sources. Additionally, avoiding prolonged skin contact with jewelry and washing hands after handling jewelry can help reduce exposure.

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