An Associated Press investigation has revealed that some Chinese-made children’s charm bracelets and pendants sold across the country contain dangerously high levels of cadmium.

Lab tests of a small sampling of the items showed that some were made almost entirely of the heavy metal that is a known carcinogen. A 2008 law made it illegal to put anything beyond the most minimal amount of lead in children’s toys. So, it appears, many Chinese manufacturers have decided to use cheaper, and more dangerous, cadmium instead.

“Clearly it seems like for a metal as toxic as cadmium, somebody ought to be watching out to make sure there aren’t high levels in items that could end up in the hands of kids,” Ashland University professor Jeff Weidenhamer, who conducted the tests on the products, told the Associated Press.

Cadmium has been known to hinder brain development in small children. The substance, which the Center for Disease Control and Prevention ranks as the seventh most hazardous material in the environment out of 275, has also been linked to cancer and lung, kidney and bone problems.

This is just one of many episodes in the ongoing saga of America being invaded with toxic, faulty or dangerous Chinese imports.

Recently, over 60 million cans and pouches of dog and cat food originating from China were recalled after, by some estimates, 3,600 American pets died from eating foods contaminated with the toxic chemical melamine.

The blood thinner Heparin manufactured in China was also recalled recently by the FDA after it was found to have caused the deaths of 81 American citizens. Authorities believe that the contaminant, oversulfated chondroitin sulfate, a substance that mimics heparin but costs 99 percent less, entered the drug’s supply chain in China.

In the latter half of 2007, over 25 million children’s toys manufactured in China were recalled after they were found to be contaminated with toxic amounts of lead.

In that same year, roughly 450,000 tires were purchased from a Chinese manufacturer and sold in the U.S after they were found to be faulty and pose dangers for drivers.

Most recently, millions of pounds of Chinese-made drywall were recalled after it was found to emit sulfur gases that ruined numerous air conditioner and refrigerator coils, microwaves, computer wiring, faucets and copper tubing. In addition, rashes, allergic reactions, asthma and sore throats were reportedly caused by exposure to the substance.

Apparently, there are no cadmium restrictions on jewelry. If the products were painted toys, they would face a recall, but since it is jewelry, the products are sold here legally. One lawmaker has already called for congressional hearings to change that.

“There’s no excuse — toxic jewelry and toys need to be off our shores and out of our stores,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said in a statement. “As a parent, I am outraged to hear that a metal more dangerous than lead could be found in children’s products. Given the safety interests at stake, we need to conduct a full investigation into unsafe products from China and stop this once and for all.”

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