Regulations of the use of nickel, cadmium and lead in jewellery

Purpose. The use of nickel, cadmium and lead in jewellery has been chosen as the object of this article due to the fact that these metals are the common cause of various disorders in the general population. Methodology. Methods of theoretical search, system approach and logical generalization are used. Results. Such metals as nickel, cadmium and lead may influence human health even in low concentrations. Therefore their use in jewellery is considered to be dangerous. Nickel in the alloy can cause allergic contact dermatitis whereas cadmium and lead in children’s jewellery can influence the development of different organs and systems. For that reason the use of nickel, cadmium and lead in jewellery should be regulated by the government structures. A number of countries have already successfully implemented the regulations that restrict the use of these metals in jewellery. Hopefully, their experience will help to implement such regulations worldwide in order to provide the safety of consumers by avoiding the use of nickel, cadmium and lead in jewellery alloys. The norms for nickel and cadmium, which are used in China are almost identical to European and American, but the requirement for lead is significantly underestimated. Overall, it may be concluded that it is necessary to regulate the use of nickel in jewellery or at least mention its presence in the alloy in the labelling of jewellery for all age groups because of the frequent allergic reactions to this metal. Therefore it is advisable to provide the regulations that prohibit the use of cadmium and lead in children’s jewellery in order to prevent the harmful effects of constant low-level exposure of cadmium or lead that can appear throughout a whole human life. After the implementation of all the necessary regulations, it is advisable to carry out a research of their impact on the health of the population in order to prove or disprove the effectiveness of these measures. Scientific novelty. This article discusses the main reasons for implementing the relevant regulations and analyses their availability and effectiveness in the world. Practical significance. Recommendations have been developed that should be the impetus for regulating the content of nickel, cadmium and lead in jewellery alloys in particular in Ukraine

nickel; cadmium; lead; nickel allergy; children; health effects; standards; regulations