Miley Cyrus' Jewelry Could Harm Children

Parents of Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana fans, beware. Buying your child jewelry branded by the Disney starlet could mean exposing them to poisonous metal.

Yesterday, TheCelebrityCafe reported on the recent scandal uncovered by the Today show - Wal-Mart may be selling used undergarments. Now, an investigation by the Associated Press reveals that the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, may also be selling jewelry containing high levels of cadmium. Cadmium is a toxic metal which can lead to bone softening and kidney failure, and can hinder brain development in youths. The Associated Press tested 61 samples of Wal-Mart's Miley Cyrus line of jewelry and make-it-yourself bracelets for cadmium levels. The tests determined that 53 of the samples contained 10+ percent cadmium by weight. These test results were sent in to Wal-Mart Stores Inc., but the retailer continued to sell the items.

Yahoo News reports that Ashland University chemist Prof. Jeff Weidenhamer's primary concern is how much cadmium can escape if the jewelry items are sucked, bitten or swallowed. This is a significant possibility for buyers of the Cyrus line of jewelry, as the 17-year-old Disney star has a large following amongst youths from 5 to 14 years old.