After strict new rules banned lead in imported Chinese toys, manufacturers just switched to a different toxic metal, cadmium, for their toys. The metal in these toys, sold at (wait for it: Wal-Mart) can harm brain development, and hurt our most vulnerable.
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 10) - Barred from using lead in children's jewelry because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows.
The most contaminated piece analyzed in lab testing performed for the AP contained a startling 91 percent cadmium by weight. The cadmium content of other contaminated trinkets, all purchased at national and regional chains or franchises, tested at 89 percent, 86 percent and 84 percent by weight. The testing also showed that some items easily shed the heavy metal, raising additional concerns about the levels of exposure to children.
Tariffs. We need to end this industrial nightmare. The trade may be free, but it's sure as hell not fair. Consider:
- China has no environmental or labor standards. It's not fair to expect our domestic industries to compete against theirs when we have to clean up after ourselves. Here, we have elections. There, if you complain about the local river turning green and your kids' hair falling out, you get disappeared.
- China has been manipulating its currency, the renminbi, to subsidize its exports and cost us millions of jobs
- Third, the unmitigated, unregulated, and unabashed greed exhibited by Chinese manufacturers and their American partners has not only poisoned our economy with a cavalcade of cheap crap, but put the lives and well-being of our pets, our children, and ourselves in danger.
It's time to place heavy tariffs on Chinese imports until they play by sane rules and join the civilized world. We shouldn't do business with Dickenonsian nightmare states.