Consumer Reports, with the help of an outside lab, just tested more than 30 children's and household products that testers suspected might contain heavy metals.
"Most of the products did not contain potentially hazardous levels of lead or cadmium. But two were of particular concern," said Tiernan.
A cell-phone charm from Claire's Accessories had very high levels of lead, which could be hazardous if it's swallowed by a child.
Two Kidorable Bumble Bee raincoats purchased late last year had worrisome levels of lead. Kidorable says it has reformulated the raincoats and they're now labeled "lead-free."
"Our tests of coats labeled 'lead-free' found only low or trace amounts of lead, well below federal limits," said Tiernan.
But /*Consumer Reports*/ says "lead-free" assurances are not necessarily a guarantee. Jewelry-maker Christine Canny says some beads she purchased from China were marketed as "lead-free," but when she had them tested it was discovered they contained high amounts of lead.
So despite tough standards on lead, Consumer Reports says potentially hazardous products are still making their way into the marketplace.
The /*Consumer Product Safety Commission*/ is currently working on restrictions for cadmium. As a general rule of thumb, Consumer Reports says don't let children play with cheap metal jewelry or even your keys. Brass keys can contain lead.
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