Survey and health assessment of chemical substances in jewelleries

In the period April to July 2007, 170 pieces of metal jewelleries and 62 textile jewelleries were purchased. The jewelleries were screened for heavy metals and benzidin. 58% of all metal jewelleries contained more than 100 ppm lead. 2% contained more than 100 ppm mercury. Especially charms and catches contained lead. Migration analysis to artificial sweat showed that lead, cadmium and copper migrated from the jewelleries. Carrying some of the jewelleries examined will result in relation to uptake of cadmium through the skin. There is a potential heath risk related to sucking the jewelleries due to both lead and cadmium.