State Representative Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) testified at a legislative hearing on Tuesday in support of legislation he has introduced that will prohibit the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of children’s products containing the chemical cadmium in the State of Connecticut.
“Cadmium is an extremely toxic, cancer-causing metal that has found its way into children’s jewelry and other toys manufactured overseas,” Perone explained. “Prolonged exposure has been shown to lead to damage of the central nervous system and, in a recent study by the University of Cincinnati medical school, was shown to lower IQ more than lead. This is completely unacceptable.”
Current state law bans packaging and any packaging components that use cadmium from being sold or used for promotional purposes in the state. However, the law is silent when it comes to using the same chemical in the actual products.
Perone said, “As any parent with very young children will tell you, infants and toddlers explore their world by putting things in their mouths, and it is through this way that children can be exposed to continual low-level doses.” He explained that toys containing this chemical are being manufactured overseas in poorly regulated countries and are finding their way to the U.S.
Meanwhile, several groups have recently warned consumers on the use of cadmium. The Chairwoman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently advised parents not to allow young children to be given or to play with cheap metal jewelry due to concerns over cadmium. The Department of Public Health and Human Services ranks it seventh on its priority list of 275 hazardous substances.
“When you break it down, there are three key things we know for certain: Cadmium is extraordinarily toxic, it is in our children’s toys, and we are in a position to do something about it,” Perone affirmed.
Several other states have moved in the direction of banning or limiting use of the substance, including the states of Washington and California. The states of Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, and New York are currently considering cadmium legislation.
The legislation is HB 5314 – An Act Concerning Child Safe Products and Banning Cadmium in Children’s Products. It is currently being considered by the Select Committee on Children.
