What Bracelets Are Being Recalled?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the tainted jewelry are the "Best Friends" three bracelet sets are silver-colored chains with metal pendants containing one of the words "Best," "Friends" or "Forever" and heart lock and key charms with different colored stones. It has been discovered that the heart lock charms attached to the bracelets contain high levels of cadmium. The bracelets were sold at Claire's stores from February 2009 through January 2010 for about $12.

 

What Can Happen if I am Exposed to Cadmium?

Consumers should be aware the jewelry might contain a significant amount of cadmium. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission has not released its testing result, testing done for the Associated Press reveals bracelets sold at Claire's contained up to 91 percent cadmium by weight. The Associated Press's testing also showed the bracelet shed alarming amounts of cadmium during a test that examined how much cadmium children might be exposed to if they accidentally swallow one of the charms.

Exposure to cadmium can cause cadmium poisoning, most commonly if the cadmium is ingested. If cadmium is ingested, it can cause:

• Increased salivation
• Choking
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• Painful spasms of the anal sphincter

Exposure to cadmium can also cause long term problems. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that cadmium and cadmium compounds are known human carcinogens, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer.

 

What Should I Do If I Have a Recalled Bracelet?

If you have one of these bracelets, you should immediately take the recalled bracelet away from children and return the heart lock charms or the entire bracelets to any Claire's for a full refund or replacement product. You can report the product to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as well as any injury the defective product might have caused you.

If you or someone you love has been exposed to tainted jewelry, you should also know your legal rights. Contact a defective product liability lawyer at Atkins & Markoff immediately to schedule a free initial consultation.