Why cadmium is used in jewelry

How will articles be tested for cadmium compliance? The Analytical Laboratory has a variety of techniques available for measuring the concentration of base metals in jewellery. X-ray Fluorescence Testing XRF This technique is reasonably accurate for measuring cadmium content but, as a surface analysis method, the presence of coatings on the tested item can interfere with the detection of metals below. As many costume jewellery articles have some form of coating this could result in an inaccurate analysis.

XRF method sensitivity also depends on the composition of the alloy, the shape and size of the object and the calibration models available for use. Assay Office Birmingham proposes that a proper validation of testing jewellery articles to the new cadmium levels using XRF be undertaken before making a final decision on the suitability of XRF for accurately determining the concentration of cadmium in articles.

XRF could certainly be used for initial screening of articles and quick measurements of cadmium content before a more accurate and also more expensive method such as ICP-OES could be used. If it is not necessary to determine the concentration of the metal but merely to confirm its presence, XRF is definitely a viable option. The turnaround times are slightly longer than the XRF method of analysis, however the accuracy levels are far superior.

This method can only be used by accredited laboratories. When a sample of the jewellery article is dissolved, the method can find even trace elements; for metals the results can be at the parts per million.

An estimate for the detection limit is 0. Dippal holds a Masters degree MSc in inorganic chemistry and has over 20 years of experience in assaying and the examination of precious metals and alloys. Login Register Basket Loading basket. More recently, instances of high levels of cadmium another very toxic metal in jewelry for children have been in the news.

Click here to see specific changes added by this law and here for specific changes added by a related more recent law: Senate Bill Pavley, Stats. Cadmium is used in nickel-cadmium batteries, pigments, metal plating and coatings, and stabilizers in plastics. However, cadmium is also a toxic heavy metal and a suspected carcinogen. Chronic cadmium ingestion can lead to kidney damage, bone loss problems; vomiting, diarrhea and even death at high enough doses.

Children are particularly susceptible to these health effects. These restrictions apply to small and big manufacturers, retailers and suppliers in California, including people who make and sell their own jewelry, tattoo and body piercing shops, vending machines, etc. For us to understand why a known toxic metal is still used in jewelry in the US and other parts of the world, it would be a good idea for us to start by looking at the primary reason why Cadmium is used in jewelry. Well, the primary reason for the use of cadmium in jewelry is that it was the ideal, cheap replacement for lead.

This decision was probably fueled by the increase in restrictions for lead. Cadmium was the next best thing because it adds mass plus weight to jewelry, while also providing that shiny finish that most people look for in jewelry.

Cadmium in jewelry is bad news. Why then is cadmium still used in jewelry? Well, the short, heartbreaking answer — profits. And as mentioned above, cadmium is extremely cheap, which means that jewelers will easily choose it over other metals, which costs more.

This is according to ATSDR , the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , which gave Cadmium this ranking based on its threat to human health, based on its potential and frequency for exposure, as well as its toxicity.

You also need to know that cadmium has a half-life of years, which means that every cadmium exposure you have will most probably stick around for your lifetime. Cadmium has been shown to target the bones and the kidneys, and it also has detrimental effects on your reproductive health. Keep in mind that exposure to cadmium in any way, either through inhalation most dangerous or via the skin dermal , poses a great risk to your health, especially if you are exposed to cadmium in high concentrations.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way for you to tell if the jewelry you are buying or own contains cadmium. The blood test works great for recent exposures, perhaps an exposure within weeks, while the urine test is ideal for potential long-term exposure — cadmium affects the kidneys the most, hence the effectiveness of the urine test.