Health Canada yesterday confirmed that jewellery items of children known to contain toxic metal cadmium are still present in the markets and at homes. The item also includes one piece that has been completely made up of the toxic metal.

Internal Government test results released to Postmedia News revealed that 28 out of 91 samples that were tested since last fall had cadmium levels higher than Health Canada's recommended limit of 107 mg/kg or 0.01% cadmium.

The test results also showed that in the remainder of the items the cadmium ranged from 0.011% to 13%.

It was found that three ornaments such as cupcakes, ladybugs, and foot pendants exclusively contained pure cadmium, ranging from 84% to 93%.

Another three items including smiley face and ballerina pendants contained one-quarter cadmium.

Health Canada issued a statement mentioning that children are at increased risk as the department has no power to take legal actions unless they get a proof that metals like lead were present in dangerous levels.

There has been no recall for a lady bug jewellery made of 84% cadmium and 0.017% lead. Cat earrings containing 9% cadmium have also not been withdrawn from the market.

Toxic specialist Rick Smith said that care-free and lenient approach of Health Canada points out how feeble is its Hazardous Products Act.