Cadmium guidelines a victory for the little guys

photo credit: Photo by sstephieg via Flickr

Consider this: just over a month ago, as your child wrapped up the school year, they might have marked their friendship with a symbol familiar to most parents – a friendship bracelet. Consider further the possibility that it might have been heavily laced with carcinogens.

But the risks for our kids are quickly declining as the federal government moves at lightning speed, using its new powers granted under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCSPA), to make sweeping changes to dangerous industry practices. Now take a sigh of relief. You see, until recently, the federal government didn’t have the power to regulate and enforce the use of many toxic substances – lead, arsenic, cadmium, you name it – in household products and goods. It's been child's play for manufacturers who have been left only to consider suggestions from government on voluntary regulations. No accountability. No responsibility. No scenario any of us, especially as parents, want to see.

So a month ago, we warmly welcomed the updated Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCSPA) as an important step forward in ensuring safe products for Canadians. And those powers are rapidly being put to good use, with an announcement today that lays out strict guidelines on cadmium levels in children’s jewelry, a toxin that, when ingested, can cause bone softening, kidney problems, and even cancer. Surely, the list of regulated toxins will expand. As the feds now have the power to conduct risk assessments, to issue orders for a recall, and even to prosecute under the right circumstances, our safety will hopefully become an utmost priority. With industry finally being held accountable, today for cadmium in kids' jewelry, we can claim a victory for the little guys.

Rick Smith, P.hD.
Executive Director