This is how harmful cheap jewelry can be

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This is how harmful cheap jewelry can be

This is how harmful cheap jewelry can be

Home » Lifestyle » Health » This is how harmful cheap jewelry can be

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While they may shine on the outside, the reality is less innocent. Cheap jewelry can conceal serious health risks due to its high metal content.

This mainly concerns cheap jewellery that enters the European Union via Chinese web shops .

The Belgian Federal Public Health Service is warning about jewelry . "Cheap earrings and necklaces are more popular than ever. But these apparent bargains can hide serious health risks. "

Inspections show that nearly three in ten jewelry items tested in 2025 contained excessive amounts of lead or cadmium. These heavy metals can be toxic through prolonged skin contact, mouthing, or chewing. The substances accumulate slowly in the body and can cause lasting health damage, even at low doses. Both metals can, for example, affect fertility and fetal development in pregnant women.

Cadmium can cause kidney and lung damage, genetic defects, and, with long-term exposure, osteoporosis and cancer. Lead, in turn, causes serious and irreversible neurological damage. In children, it can lead to developmental disorders, concentration problems, and a lowered IQ, and in adults to anemia and high blood pressure. Inspectors: "The danger is often invisible. But the damage can be permanent. "

To prevent potential harm, it's recommended to shop within the EU. Strict product safety regulations apply in Europe, stipulating how much heavy metal may or may not be used in products. European online stores are responsible for ensuring that the products they sell meet these requirements.

Concerns have been raised for some time now about products shipped from outside the EU , from online stores like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. "We" want to be in the front row for a low price, while ordering from online stores outside Europe carries significant risks. There's a chance the products might not comply with European regulations.

For example, clothing and accessories are said to contain chemicals. Toys are dangerous because parts can come loose, posing a choking hazard to children. Electronics can also be unsafe because they melt, for example. According to research by Pointer Checkt at the end of last year, some Shein products exceeded the health standard for the legally permitted amount of toxic substances .

Metro Holland

Metro Holland

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