Jewelry containing dangerously high levels of cadmium, a toxic metal known to cause cancer, is being sold on Amazon and TikTok Shop, according to recent investigations.
An investigation by The Sunday Times found several pieces of jewelry marketed as silver contained significant amounts of cadmium. One ring purchased on Amazon reportedly had over 9,000 times the legal limit for cadmium in the UK, which is set at 0.01% for jewelry. A charm bracelet from a TikTok seller was found to contain nearly 3,300 times this limit.
Cadmium, a silvery-white toxic metal commonly used in rechargeable batteries and metal coatings, can pose serious health risks, including kidney cancer, liver damage, and respiratory issues. Experts warn that cadmium is more toxic than mercury in the long term.
While the U.S. lacks a comprehensive federal law specifically regulating cadmium limits in adult jewelry, many states have enacted their own regulations, particularly for children's jewelry. California has stringent limits, prohibiting jewelry with more than 300 parts per million (ppm) or 0.03% of cadmium by weight. Illinois' Cadmium-Safe Kids Act bans children's jewelry containing more than 75 ppm of cadmium in paint, coatings, or materials that contact skin. Washington state has even lower limits for children's products, at 40 ppm, and requires extensive reporting for hazardous chemicals.
Although cadmium is generally considered safe to touch, with the CDC noting minimal skin absorption, risks increase with incidental exposure. Touching the metal and then touching the mouth or food can lead to ingestion. The health impacts of cadmium exposure can be severe, affecting the kidneys, liver, bones, and lungs. Kidney cancer is a primary concern, alongside conditions like osteoporosis and lung cancer.
This is not the first instance of high cadmium levels being found in jewelry. In 2018, testing by the nonprofit Center for Environmental Health discovered jewelry sold at retailers like Ross and Nordstrom Rack contained at least 40% cadmium. More recently, in 2023, the UK's Office for Product Safety and Standards intercepted and destroyed Amazon jewelry found to have excessive and dangerous levels of cadmium at the border.
Experts emphasize the importance of minimizing any exposure to cadmium, as it is considered one of the most potent toxic metals. While low levels of cadmium can be found naturally in foods like shellfish, significant exposure often comes from cigarette smoke, proximity to industrial facilities, or contaminated workplace air. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of products sold through major online marketplaces.