Guest Author - Paula Petrie

Lead can be a very dangerous product as it can accumulate in the body. Lead poisoning in children is known to be associated with behavioral and growth problems, and learning disabilities.

In the past two years, since 2004, the CPSC has recalled more than 165 million units of children's metal jewelry because of the potential lead poisoning risk. There were at least four recalls of children’s necklaces in December 2006, alone. In December there was also a jar recalled with toxic levels of lead in the cover. The number of products recalled for high levels of lead, by the CPSC in December, was second only to products recalled for a potential choking hazard to children.

To help prevent the risk of lead poisoning through metal jewelry sold in stores the CPSC is taking steps to simplify the screening process for manufactures and importers. There could soon be new rules governing children’s metal jewelry. A newly proposed rulemaking policy could lead to a ban of children's metal jewelry that has more than 0.06 percent of total lead. Presently, jewelry products intended for children are banned under federal law when they contain hazardous levels of “accessible” lead.

To help manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers keep children's metal jewelry with hazardous levels of lead off store shelves, the CPSC announced an interim policy in February 2005 which could result in a simplified approach, and eliminate the test for accessible lead.

The CPSC will move ahead with this new process using total lead content as a screening tool. At present however, they will also continue to focus on accessible lead levels while the new rulemaking policy is pending. So for now at least, parents should not allow their children to mouth any metal jewelry.

"Lead is toxic to children and reducing lead poisoning in children is a priority for CPSC," said Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord.

As there are many products recalled on a regular basis for unacceptable levels of lead. You would be wise not to allow a baby or child to mouth any consumer product that you are not one hundred percent sure of.

The CPSC banned lead in paint in the late 1970s. The CPSC was responsible for banning the sale of metal-cored candle wicks containing lead in 2003. The agency also headed efforts to remove vinyl mini-blinds containing lead from the market.