Plus Size retailer Catherines recently found itself in trouble when it was announced that Cadmium had been found in several pieces of jewelry. The soft, bluish-white metal is chemically similar to zinc and mercury was found in a pink breast cancer awareness charm, sold for $6.99 and was made in China.
The findings were reported when a California environmental group said new testing of adult necklaces and bracelets bought at three leading retailers, including Catherine’s detected high levels of the toxic material — as much as 75 percent by weight.
Attention to this issue was sparked when an Associated Press investigation reported last month that pieces of cheap children’s jewelry imported from China contained levels of cadmium of up to 91 percent of their total content.
Cadmium is used primarily used in rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries, as well as in pigments, electroplating and plastic.
Cadmium is a known carcinogen, particularly when it is inhaled in a factory or other workplace. It also can cause serious problems with kidneys and bones, diseases that typically are caused by cadmium that has been ingested in contaminated food or tobacco. The exact risks to adults aren’t clear because typically the metal takes long-term exposure to cause the diseases.
Yesterday Catherines issued the following statement regarding levels of cadmium found in an adult bracelet.
Upon learning we had levels of cadmium in one style of an adult bracelet, we took swift action to protect our customers. We instructed all stores to immediately pull the product identified from our shelves. Customers can return the bracelet to any Catherines store for a full refund. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our customers and associates.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
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