Kids’ Jewelry Containing Toxic Chemicals Were Sold in Massachusetts

According to new research from the Ecology Center and The Alliance for Healthy Tomorrow, there are certain inexpensive pieces of jewelry made for both children and adult that contain toxic chemicals underneath their surfaces. Some of the jewelry included in the study were bought from stores in Holyoke, Falmouth, Fall River, and Worcester, Massachusetts.

99 pieces of low-cost jewelry were purchased from 14 retailers in six states and tested for cadmium, lead, arsenic, bromine, mercury, and chlorine. Included in this collection were the “love” ring and necklace set that contained low levels of cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. Low levels of lead and arsenic, and medium levels of mercury, were found in the “best friends” peace heart necklace. In total, 27% of the jewelry exhibited more lead levels than the 300 parts per million that is allowed and considered safe. Close to 59% of the products contained high levels of at least one dangerous chemical.

In studies involving humans or animals, the chemicals the researchers were looking for have been linked to allergies, learning disabilities, birth defects, cancer, and liver toxicity. It doesn’t help that many young kids are prone to putting shiny and brightly colored objects in their mouths to begin with, which can lead to ingestion of these toxic chemical when they are present and choking accidents. This study’s researchers are telling parents and guardians to prevent young kids from using or playing with cheap metal jewelry.

Unfortunately, kids are especially vulnerable to illness and other health complications from too much exposure to toxic chemicals. For example, there have been lead injury lawsuits filed contending that exposure or ingestion of lead resulted in cognitive impairments and other serious injuries. Boston injury lawyers represent the families injured because manufacturers, distributors, and sellers allowed a defective or dangerous product to enter the marketplace.

Chemical-laden kids’ jewelry turns up on Cape, watchdog says, Cape Cod Times, March 14, 2012

What’s in your children’s jewelry?, The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow


More Blog Posts:

Massachusetts Products Liability: $20.6M Andover Wrongful Death Verdict Awarded Against Toys “R’ Us in Fatal Swimming Pool Slide Accident, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, October 15, 2011
“Metal-on-Metal” Hip Replacement Devices May Increase Cancer Risk, Says Study, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, February 13, 2012
Johnson & Johnson Sued in Wrongful Death of Toddler Who Took Children’s Tylenol
, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, January 11, 2012
To find out whether you have grounds for a Massachusetts products liability case, contact Altman & Altman, LLP today. One of our Boston child injury lawyers would be happy to assist you.

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