Cadmium

RAPEX, the EU Rapid alert system for dangerous non-food consumer products, has recently revealed a number of jewellery items that were withdrawn from the EU marketplace and in one particular case recalled from end users as they did not comply with the Reach Regulations concerning Nickel Release and Lead and Cadmium content.

Items withdrawn over the last month include earrings, necklaces and hair accessories. Three items withdrawn contained Cadmium and Lead in excess of over 1570 x the legal limit.

Cadmium Cadmium has long been recognised as a toxin and a known carcinogen, harmful when it is ingested or inhaled.  As a result of its harmful qualities, The EU extended the restrictions on Cadmium in the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Directive in December 2011.  The regulation restricts cadmium content in jewellery to 0.01% (100 mg/kg) by weight of metal and this applies to “metal beads and other metal jewellery components,…

     Click on the image above and fill in the Nickel, Lead & Cadmium test application form if you require any of the following tests: Nickel release, our UNIQUE Crystal Glass test, Lead content or Cadmium content testing, unique quick tests, full tests and combined tests are available (Make sure to pick the relevant standard which is applicable to the market place where the item is to be sold). CHEMICAL TEST APPLICATION FORM Click on the image above and fill in the P…

  The Laboratory at Assay Office Birmingham will be taking part in one to one business surgeries at the Giftware Association's Members Day on Thursday 5th June at Federation House, Birmingham. Assay Office Birmingham staff,  Marion Wilson (Marketing Director - The Birmingham Assay Office), Steve Franklin (Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator) and The Laboratory's new Account Manager Vikki Bradshaw will be on hand between 2pm and 4pm to offer advice for testing services for fashio…