Following adverse publicity in the national media during the past twelve months, analysing for safe levels of lead, particularly in items intended for use by children, has become a standard part of companies’ due diligence procedures. The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office has tested thousands of samples for lead content and lead migration recently.
However, there is still confusion, both regarding the legislation which applies and the tests which should be carried out. There is currently no specific legislation regarding the use of lead in jewellery in the UK but there are regulations in relation to lead, and other toxic elements, in toys (i.e. Safety of Toys – BS EN 71-3:1995 – Migration of certain elements).
Lead is a metal which is toxic at very low levels of exposure. It accumulates in the body, so that regular exposure to even very low quantities may result in harmful levels which can badly damage intellectual and behavioural development of infants and young children. Lead also has a variety of adverse health effects on adults, but children are the most at risk. Products intended for children therefore carry a higher safety risk, particularly as young children are likely to suck or chew items, but many Customers are also choosing to analyse adult jewellery for lead safety limits.
The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office seeks to give its customers as much information as it can in relation to current legislation and testing of lead and other toxic metals that might be found in jewellery but companies are recommended to take their own legal advice on this very important issue. |
