Please take this statement to heart. I have two small children myself and I know it is difficult at times to sift through alarmist information to really know what is a potential hazard. One thing we know for certain is Lead poisoning is very real. We also know that Cadmium is a neurotoxin that can cause permanent brain damage if young children are exposed.

It took the CPSC nearly five months to act on AP tests, which identified the Claire's children's jewelry as a concern, since they are made with as much as 90% Cadmium. With this information, a ban on Cadmium in children's jewelry has been made. However, we can not be too careful because the damage is permanent. Please recycle any metal jewelry fitting this description if you are not 100% positive it is safe.

You can check recall information on the CPSC website.

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum warned manufacturers against using cadmium in January, while speaking in Hong Kong, but she had a more direct warning for parents:

"Because of these recent developments, I have a message for parents, grandparents and caregivers: Do not allow young children to be given or to play with cheap metal jewelry, especially when they are unsupervised," she wrote. "We have proof that lead in children's jewelry is dangerous and was pervasive in the marketplace. To prevent young children from possibly being exposed to lead, cadmium or any other hazardous heavy metal, take the jewelry away.... The key message that I want parents to know is: We will act to protect young children, but take the metal jewelry away from children who will swallow, suck or chew on it while our work continues."