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Chemicals of Concern

Introduction

Lead

Chlorine (PVC)

Cadmium

Arsenic

Mercury

Other Chemicals

Alternatives

Resources

Cadmium

Cadmium is a heavy metal that is used as a stabilizer in PVC and in coatings and pigments in plastic and paint (ATSDR 1999).

Health Effects

Depending on the level of exposure, cadmium has been linked to:

• Cadmium exposure is associated in animal studies with developmental effects, including possible decreases in birth weight, delayed sensory-motor development, hormonal effects, and altered behavior (Schantz 2001).
• Cadmium can cause adverse effects on the kidney, lung and intestines (ATSDR 2005).
• Cadmium is classified as a known human carcinogen, associated with lung and prostate cancer (Huff 2007).
• Exposure to cadmium can result in bone loss and increased blood pressure (Gilbert 2004).
• Acute toxicity from ingestion of high levels of cadmium can result in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and death (Gilbert 2004).

Where We Found It

• Painted toys
• PVC toys, backpacks, lunch boxes, bibs

Current Regulations for Children's Products

• There are no restrictions on cadmium in children's products in the US.
• The European Union restricts cadmium in plastics, including PVC, and in electronic products such as toys (European Union 2003).
• Nineteen states limit cadmium in packaging materials, such as shopping bags and product wrappings (TPCH 2007).
• The toy industry has established a voluntary migration standard for the amount of cadmium that can migrate from toys of 75 ppm. It is not enforceable.