EU bans cadmium in plastics, jewellery

The EU is banning the use of cadmium, a heavy metal carcinogen, in plastics, jewellery and brazing or soldering sticks from December this year. 

The move has been welcomed by industry but has raised concerns among environmentalists because the EU initiative includes various derogations or exemptions allowing continued or even increased use of recycled PVC products, which use cadmium as a stabiliser.  More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2011/May/27051102.asp