Schwarzenegger signs bill that will restrict amount of cadmium allowed in children’s jewelry

Schwarzenegger limits toxic metal in toy jewelry

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a bill that will limit the amount of the toxic metal cadmium that can be used in children’s jewelry.

Under the bill that he signed Monday, cadmium can be no more than 300 parts per million in jewelry intended for children ages 6 and under. The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2012.

Cadmium is a known carcinogen. The Associated Press revealed that some Chinese manufacturers were substituting it for lead.

State lawmakers and public health officials worried that children could suffer long-term poisoning if they sucked or chewed on toy jewelry containing the substance.