That’s right, with recent ban of the use of lead in children’s products in the U.S. (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), foreign manufacturers have needed to substitute the material in their products and are turning to Cadmium, which has many of the same unique qualities as lead. The trouble is, it’s no safer than lead really. It’s a known carcinogen, and acute exposure can cause tracheo-bronchitis, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and renal failure.

How can they do this you ask? Well, U.S. regulations on toys (CPSIA) currently ONLY cover lead and not any other toxic heavy metals. While most often found in jewelry, where it comprises about 10% of the metal, levels have been found over 90%. Some retailers are working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and offering voluntary recalls, they are not required to do so. If you thought your child’s toys are now safe because of the ban on lead, you may want to think again.