kids these days

Wal-Mart Knows Miley Cyrus’s Jewelry Is Toxic But Continues to Sell It

The jewelry Miley Cyrus sells at Wal-Mart, including the line she does with Max Azria, contains toxic levels of cadmium, an Associated Press investigation found. Wal-Mart knew about the cadmium and continued to sell the stuff anyway. In fact, Wal-Mart received test results on the items as far back as February but hasn’t pulled them from the sales floor. Instead, they issued a statement in April saying that as of that month they had decided to require suppliers to show that children’s products did not contain unsafe levels of cadmium.

Long-term exposure to cadmium can lead to bone softening and kidney failure. It is a known carcinogen that recent research suggests can, like lead, hinder brain development in the very young.


However, the company did not test and pull already-offending merchandise from the shelves. That’s too much of a bother, you see. So AP reporters found cadmium-saturated Miley Cyrus pieces on shelves last month. They bought thirteen, three from the line she did with Max Azria and the rest from a line of make-it-yourself metal bracelet charms. At least 53 of the 61 samples tested contained at least 10 percent cadmium by weight. They were labeled as intended for kids under the age of 14; however, cadmium regulations apply to kids under 12.

The importer of the DIY charms said they were intended for adults. A VP of the line’s manufacturer told the AP:

“We recognize that many of our adult customers are homemakers who may have children present in their home,” he said. “Our intention as a company is to never willingly cause harm to a child.”


Everyone knows Miley Cyrus merchandise is marketed to kids. It’s not something they happen into after going through mom’s jewelry box.

Wal-Mart still selling Miley Cyrus cadmium jewelry [WP]

Wal-Mart Knows Miley Cyrus’s Jewelry Is Toxic But Continues to Sell It