Miley Cyrus Jewelry Cadmium Concerns

Wal-mart announced on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, that it will no longer be selling necklaces and bracelets that bear the Miley Cyrus brand name. The jewlery, which was made exclusively for Wal-Mart, was found to contain high levels of cadmium, a toxic metal. The Associated Press (AP) had some of the pieces tested and issued its report. Three hours later, Wal-Mart made the announcement that the Miley merchandise would be pulled off the shelves. Wal-Mart has long rode the wave of the popularity of Miley Cyrus' television show, "Hannah Montana." Cyrus and Max Azria, who designed the jewelry, joined in the announcement.

According to WFAA.com (WFAA TV-Dallas/Fort Worth), a chemistry professor performed tests on the Miley jewelry as well as an unrelated line of bracelet charms, sold under the name "Fashion Accessories," earlier in the year. The February 2010 results revealed cadmium was present in the Miley line and the "Fashion Accessories," but Wal-Mart chose to continue selling the merchandise, which first went on sale last December.

Cadmium in jewelry is not considered a health hazard if the items are simply worn. However, when children put the items in their mouths, it is a problem. Charms for bracelet, of course, usually come with a warning that they are not intended for young children since they pose a choking hazard. All the items tested by the AP were labeled "not intended for children under 14."

Earlier in January, the AP did perform tests on items intended for children 12 and under in both Wal-Mart and dollar stores across the country and found unacceptable levels of cadmium. This resulted in Wal-Mart voluntarily instituting a policy, requiring suppliers to submit proof that the levels of cadmium in their products is very low.

Besides being a known carcinogen, cadmium causes bone softening and kidney failure if someone is exposed to it on a long-term basis.

Source:
WFAA.com: Wal-Mart pulls Miley Cyrus jewlery
over cadmium concerns (5/19/10)