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Chemicals of Concern

Cadmium

Cadmium is a heavy metal 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).

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 standards (EN 71 and ASTM F973-07) for the amount of cadmium that can migrate from toys of 75 ppm.
  • On February 10, 2009 the CPSIA will adopt the ASTM F973-07 limits for cadmium and other metals(view ASTM standard) as a mandatory standard.