After the discovery of cadmium in jewelry, mostly imported, but also plastics and brazing, the Commission decided to ban this harmful substance from December 2011.
Present in many items of jewelry, especially Silver Jewellery imported imitation, cadmium is a harmful substance, especially for children who may be exposed through skin or by suction. Under the REACH program, the commission decided to ban the substance in all types of jewelry, with the exception of antique bridal jewellery . This prohibition also the presence of cadmium in plastics in general and brazing rods used for welding of dissimilar materials.
Janez Potocnik, Commissioner for the Environment, “the ban of cadmium in the jewellery making will protect consumers, particularly children. It’s also good for the environment because plastics are cadmium-free contribute to reducing pollution. This encourages the recycling of PVC waste, which marks a major advance in efforts to conserve resources. ”
High protection of public health
Indeed, beyond the prohibition of cadmium, this measure promotes the recovery of PVC waste for reuse in a number of construction products. The new measure allows the reuse of recovered PVC containing low concentrations of cadmium in a limited number of construction products, without danger to public health or the environment.
Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission welcomes this measure. “This is good news for consumers, such as for industry, which has already developed substitutes for the substance. This proves, once again, that REACH plays an essential role in protecting health public, and that the level of protection is high. “