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Mass. Bill Targets Cadmium In Kids' Jewelry

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a ban on the sale of most children's jewelry that contains the toxic metal cadmium.

A bill scheduled to be heard on Tuesday by the Legislature's Public Health Committee would prohibit the manufacture or sale of any item of children's jewelry if its paint or coating has more than 75 parts per million of cadmium. The measure is sponsored by Sen. Gale Canderas, a Wilbraham Democrat.

At least five states have passed similar bans.

Exposure to cadmium in high amounts has been linked to cancer and other health problems.

An Associated Press investigation last year revealed some Chinese jewelry manufacturers were substituting cadmium for lead.

Earlier this month, major national retailers including Target Corp. and Gap Inc., agreed to all but eliminate cadmium in jewelry sold in their stores.

This program aired on September 13, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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