Essex County Council warning after trading standards officers seize toxic jewellery at Stansted Airport

Toxic jewellery was seized at Stansted Airport by Essex County Council trading standards officers.

They detained and tested a large consignment of earrings and found one design contained more than 7,000 times the maximum cadmium content.

Prolonged exposure to the soft, silvery-white metal can cause kidney damage, lung damage and an increased risk of cancer.

Another design failed testing on its nickel content, releasing three times the amount permitted. Exposure can cause irreversible sensitisation including skin rash, redness and itching.

Cadmium and nickel are cumulative toxins, which means exposure to small amounts over a long period can cause health problems. Compliance is crucial for items inserted into the skin, where toxins are more likely to leach into the body.

Essex County Council said: “Our advice is to avoid cheap jewellery, often made with low-quality materials, and to buy from reputable sources.

“Many jewellery manufacturers have strict quality control processes in place to ensure their products are safe for consumers. Look for jewellery from well-known brands or companies that have a good reputation for quality.”

Trading standards officers routinely examine goods imported through Stansted to stop unsafe products.

Checks are undertaken on cosmetics, electrical items and jewellery. Products that come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin – for example, earrings, watches, rivets and zips on clothing – are required to comply with rules that control the presence of harmful metals, also including lead, that can leach into the body.

Anyone with safety concerns about a product should report it to trading standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.