Jewelry

California Health and Safety Code Section 25214.1-25214.2 regulates the safety of jewelry. Jewelry is defined by the code as "Any of the following ornaments worn by a person":

An anklet
Arm cuff
Bracelet
Brooch
Chain
Crown
Cuff link
Decorated hair accessories
Earring
Necklace
Pin
Ring
Body piercing jewelry

The Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has also issued regulations on lead in Jewelry in its "Interim Enforcement Policy for Children's Metal Jewelry Containing Lead" 2/3/2005.

The legislation specifies the maximum amount of lead that may be present in any jewelry materials and also specifies the only types of materials that may be used to make jewelry.

Truesdail provides a comprehensive evaluation of ingredients to determine compliance with these requirements.

Packaging

In 2003 the California Legislature passed and the Governor signed AB 455 regulating the presence of the toxic metals lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium. This legislation was amended in 2004 and sections 25214.12 through 25214.19 of the Health and Safety code became effective January 1, 2006.

California and 18 other states have laws on the books to prevent packaging from containing these materials.

The testing for these four elements has been a routine practice for Truesdail Laboratories. The testing methodology follow the same procedures as applied to the testing of hazardous waste.

Truesdail has been certified by the California Department of Health to test samples for environmental contaminants since the state first started evaluating labs in the 1950's. We are also accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to certify and list products as meeting applicable standards.

The Problem

Toys, jewelry, and other products intended for children have more in common than being popular gifts. They are assumed to be safe. However, children have been harmed and even killed from lead and other toxins in jewelry, toys, and other products for children.

To prevent such tragedies, the government has tightened regulations for the presence of toxic materials. Now manufacturers must diligently oversee all steps of the manufacturing process as well as test the final product to insure their products are in compliance with ever-changing regulations.

Even packaging does not escape scrutiny. In the State of California, in 2006, AB455 went into effect limiting hte amounts of cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury that can be in packaging materials.

For public consumer safety, testing of products alone may not be sufficient. Utilization of a third party certification program to, not only test products, but also, to evaluate the entire manufacturing process and quality assurance programs on a regular basis is the best way to insure a safe consumer product.

Truesdail has been certified by the California Department of Health to test samples for environmental contaminants since the states first started evaluating labs in the 1950’s. We are also accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to certify and list jewelry as meeting applicable standards.

EPA Reference Methods 3050B and/or 3051 are applied.