This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: F2999 − 19

Standard Consumer Safety Specification for

Adult Jewelry1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2999; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this consumer safety specification is to establish nationally recognized safety
requirements and test methods for adult jewelry.

1. Scope Title Section

Specification for Cadmium in Certain Substrate Materials 8
1.1 This specification establishes requirements and test of Adult Jewelry
methods for specified elements and for certain mechanical Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Chromium, Mercury and 9
hazards in adult jewelry. It does not purport to cover every Selenium in Substrates of Adult Jewelry
Representations Regarding Nickel Exposure in Metal 10
conceivable hazard of adult jewelry. It does not cover product Components of Adult Jewelry
performance or quality, except as related to safety. This Specifications for Phthalates in Adult Jewelry 11
Liquid-Filled Jewelry Requirements 12
specification has no requirements for those aspects of adult Mechanical Requirements for Adult Jewelry 13
jewelry that present an inherent and recognized hazard as part Test Methods 14
of the function of jewelry. Keywords 15
Rationale Annex A1
1.2 This specification applies only to adult jewelry, as 1.5 The following precautionary statement pertains only to
defined in 3.1.3. Children’s Jewelry, which is defined as the test methods portion of this specification: This standard
jewelry designed or intended primarily for use by children 12 does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
and under, is addressed in another ASTM standard, Specifica- associated with jewelry use. It is the responsibility of the user
tion F2923. of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
1.3 This specification does not apply to the following: environmental practices and determine the applicability of
1.3.1 Accessories (for example, handbags, belts), regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3.2 Apparel (except as described in 3.1.1(q)), 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.3.3 Footwear (except as described in 3.1.1(q)), and dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.3.4 Any other item whose primary purpose is functional ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
(e.g., keys, key chains, or other items not primarily intended to Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
be worn as a personal item of ornamentation). mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.4 This consumer safety specification includes the follow- Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ing sections:
2. Referenced Documents
Title Section
Scope 1 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
Referenced Documents 2 E1613 Test Method for Determination of Lead by Induc-
Terminology 3
Intended User Labeling and Warnings 4 tively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry
Specifications for Lead in Adult Jewelry 5 (ICP-AES), Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Specifications for Adult Body-Piercing Jewelry 6 (FAAS), or Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spec-
Specifications for Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, 7
Chromium, Mercury and Selenium in Paint and Surface trometry (GFAAS) Techniques
Coatings of Adult Jewelry F963 Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
F2923 Specification for Consumer Product Safety for Chil-
dren’s Jewelry
1
This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Commit-
tee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
F15.24 on Jewelry. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2019. Published November 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F2999 – 14. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F2999-19. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 F2999 − 19
2.2 Code of Federal Regulations:3 h. Hair accessory with significant decorative elements6
16 CFR 1500.14 Products requiring special labeling under i. Earrings
section 3(b) of the act j. Ear cuffs
2.3 CPSC Standards:4 k. Necklace
CPSC-CH-E1001-08 Standard Operating Procedure for De- l. Pins (such as tie tacks and trading pins)
termining Total Lead (Pb) in Children’s Metal Products m. Ring
(Including Children’s Metal Jewelry) n. Body piercing jewelry
CPSC-CH-E1001-08.3 Standard Operating Procedure for o. Jewelry placed in the mouth for display or ornament
Determining Total Lead (Pb) in Children’s Metal Products p. Any component of a product listed in a – o.
(Including Children’s Metal Jewelry), Revision November q. Any charm, bead, chain, link, pendant or other attach-
15, 2012 ment to shoes or clothing designed to be removed and worn,
CPSC-CH-E1002-08 Standard Operating Procedure for De- alone or attached to an item in a – o, as an ornament by a
termining Total Lead (Pb) in Non-Metal Children’s Prod- person.
ucts r. Watch in which a timepiece is a component of an
CPSC-CH-E1002-08.3 Standard Operating Procedure for ornament, excluding the timepiece itself if the timepiece can be
Determining Total Lead (Pb) in Nonmetal Children’s removed from the ornament.
Products, Revision November 15, 2012 s. Jewelry components in craft kits where the final as-
CPSC-CH-E1003-09 Standard Operating Procedure for De- sembled jewelry product is principally designed and intended
termining Lead (Pb) in Paint and Other Similar Surface as an ornament worn by a person. Tools used to make jewelry
Coatings are not jewelry.
CPSC-CH-E1004-11 Standard Operating Procedure for De- 3.1.2 body piercing jewelry, n—any part of jewelry that is
termining Cadmium (Cd) Extractability from Children’s manufactured or sold for placement in a new piercing or a
Metal Jewelry mucous membrane, but does not include any part of that
2.4 European Standards:5 jewelry that is not placed within a new piercing or a mucous
CR 12471: 2002 Screening tests for nickel release from membrane.
alloys and coatings in items that come into direct and 3.1.2.1 Discussion—Earrings, unless specifically sold for a
prolonged contact with the skin new piercing, are not body piercing jewelry.
EN 1811:2011+A1:2015 Reference test method for release 3.1.3 adult jewelry, n—jewelry designed or intended primar-
of nickel from all post assemblies which are inserted into ily for use by consumers over age 12.
pierced parts of the human body and articles intended to
come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin 3.1.4 paint and surface coating, n—a fluid, semi-fluid, or
EN 12472:2005+A1:2009 Method for the simulation of wear other material, with or without a suspension of finely divided
and corrosion for the detection of nickel release from coloring matter, which changes to a solid film when a thin layer
coated items is applied to a metal, wood, stone, paper, leather, cloth, plastic,
or other surface.
3. Terminology 3.1.4.1 Discussion—This term does not include printing
inks or those materials which actually become apart of the
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: substrate, such as the pigment in a plastic article, or those
3.1.1 jewelry, n—a product principally designed and in- materials which are actually bonded to the substrate, such as by
tended as an ornament worn by a person and includes the electroplating or ceramic glazing.
following:
a. Anklet 3.1.5 hazardous magnet, n—a magnet with a flux index >50
b. Arm cuff as measured by the method described in Consumer Safety
c. Bracelet Specification F963 and which is swallowable or a small object.
d. Brooch 3.1.6 accessible, n—jewelry or a jewelry component shall
e. Chain be considered accessible if it is swallowable, ingestible or
f. Crown or tiara mouthable in an as-received condition.
g. Cuff link 3.1.6.1 Discussion—Jewelry or a jewelry component shall
be considered swallowable or ingestible pursuant to the method
described in 14.7. Jewelry or a jewelry component shall be
3
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, considered mouthable if it does not fit within the test apparatus
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http:// described in 14.7 but has a dimension less than 5 cm in any
www.access.gpo.gov.
4
Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 4330 East direction.
West Hwy., Bethesda, MD 20814, http://www.cpsc.gov. All subsequent versions of
these Standard Operating Procedures approved by the CPSC staff satisfy this
standard.
5 6
Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue Bobby pins, barrettes, headbands, etc. without a significant decorative element
Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu. Many national organi- are not hair accessories, but are grooming aids. Combs, brushes and similar items
zations issue their own versions of these test methods; these versions will satisfy this not intended to be worn as an item of personal ornamentation are not hair
standard. accessories. Novelty products such as deely boppers are not hair accessories.

2
 F2999 − 19
TABLE 1 Lead Content Limits for Adult Jewelry TABLE 2 Materials Excluded from Lead Limits in Adult Jewelry
Materials Covered Maximum Total Lead Limits Stainless or surgical steel within the designations of Unified
(Except as Excluded per Table 2) in Adult Jewelry Numbering System UNS S13800 – S66286, not including the
Electroplated metal with suitable under 6.0 % stainless steel designated as 303 Pb (UNS S30360), provided that
and finish coats no lead or lead-containing metal is intentionally added
Unplated metal 1.5 %
Plastic or rubber, including acrylic, 200 ppm Precious metals: gold; sterling silver (at least 925/1000); platinum;
polystyrene, plastic beads and stones, palladium; rhodium; osmium; iridium; ruthenium; titanium
and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Materials not otherwise classified 600 ppm Natural or cultured pearls
Paint or surface coating 600 ppm
Precious gemstones: diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald

Glass, ceramic, or crystal decorative components, including cat’s

7
eye, cubic zirconia, cubic zirconium (CZ), rhinestones, and cloisonné
4. Intended User Labeling and Warnings
Semiprecious gemstones and other minerals, provided they are not
4.1 Jewelry designed or intended primarily for use by based on lead or lead compounds, excluding aragonite, bayldonite,
consumers over age 12 may include an age label reflecting the boleite, cerussite, crocoite, ekanite, linarite, mimetite, phosgenite,
primary intended user for whom the product is designed and samarskite, vanadinite and wulfenite

intended, or a warning that the product is not intended for Wood, provided it is not treated in any way to add lead
children. Examples of an age label might include, but are not
Paper and similar materials made from wood or other cellulosic fiber,
limited to, “Not for children 12 and younger,” “Not for <12,” including, but not limited to, paperboard, linerboard and medium,
“For 13+,” “Adult use only,” or any similar language, symbol and coatings on such paper that soak into the paper and cannot be
or combination designed to communicate the primary intended scraped off the surface
user. User labels, if provided, can appear in any reasonable Elastic, fabric, ribbon, rope, or string, unless it contains intentionally
location where they will be seen and understood by the target added lead
consumer.
All natural decorative material, including amber, bone, coral,
feathers, fur, horn, leather, shell or wood, that is in its natural state
5. Specification for Lead in Adult Jewelry and is not treated in a way that adds lead
5.1 Lead Content Limits for Components of Adult Jewelry:
Adhesive
5.1.1 Accessible components8 of adult jewelry shall meet
the lead content limits of Table 1 unless the component is Repurposed components. Repurposed components are “found”
excluded per Table 2. objects that are incorporated into jewelry, and may include, but are
not limited to, silver or pewter utensils, bottle caps, buttons.
5.1.2 References—Tests for total lead content shall be con-
ducted in accordance with a method appropriate for the
material in 14.1. TABLE 3 Approved Materials for Adult Body-Piercing Jewelry
5.2 Exclusions from Lead Content Testing Requirements in Surgical implant stainless steel
Adult Jewelry: Surgical implant grade titanium
Niobium (Nb)
5.2.1 The materials listed in Table 2 are excluded from Solid 14 karat or higher white or nickel-free gold
testing for total lead content in any component of adult jewelry. Solid platinum
A dense, low-porosity plastic, including, but not limited to, Tygon or
6. Specifications for Adult Body-Piercing Jewelry polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) if the plastic contains no intentionally
added lead
6.1 Body-piercing jewelry shall be made exclusively of the
materials listed in Table 3.
with the test method described in 14.2 prior to comparing them
7. Specifications for Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, to the values in Table 4 to determine conformance. The soluble
Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, and Selenium in level shall be determined by dissolving the contained solids
Paint and Surface Coatings of Adult Jewelry (dried film including pigments, film solids, and driers) as
7.1 Surface-coating materials applied on or to adult jewelry specified in 14.2.
shall not contain compounds of antimony, arsenic, barium, 7.2 Reference—Specification F2923; Consumer Safety
cadmium, chromium, mercury, or selenium, of which the metal Specification F963. Follow recommended instructions and
content of the soluble material of these substances is in excess shield the test material from light.9
of the levels by weight of the contained solids (including
pigments, film solids, and driers) given in Table 4. The 8. Specification for Cadmium in Certain Substrate
analytical results obtained should be adjusted in accordance Materials of Adult Jewelry
8.1 Accessible metal or plastic/polymeric components of
7
Specification F2923 sets forth comprehensive standards for children’s jewelry adult jewelry shall be screened for total cadmium content.
(jewelry designed or intended primarily for use by consumers 12 and under). The
standard includes detailed guidance for age grading, as well as guidance and
9
checklists to assist in distinguishing children’s jewelry from adult jewelry. “It has been shown that the extraction of soluble cadmium can reveal a two-fold
8
Where components are made of the same material, only one component is to five-fold increase when extraction is conducted in the light rather than the dark.”
subject to any chemical test references in this standard. Consumer Safety Specification F963-11, Section 8.3.4, Note 7.

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 F2999 − 19
TABLE 4 Maximum Soluble Migrated Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury and Selenium from Paint and Surface
Coating of Adult Jewelry
Antimony Arsenic Barium Cadmium Chromium Mercury Selenium
Element
(Sb) (As) (Ba) (Cd) (Cr) (Hg) (Se)
Maximum soluble element (in mg/kg or
ppm) in paint or surface coatings of 60 25 1000 75 60 60 500
adult jewelryA
A
Due to interlaboratory variability, Specification F2923 and Consumer Safety Specification F963 establish the following analytical correction factors (in %): Sb, As and Se:
60 %; Hg: 50 %; Ba, Cd, and Cr: 30 %.

Covered components of adult jewelry containing 1.5 % or less 11. Specifications for Phthalates in Adult Jewelry
total cadmium do not need to be tested for migratable cad- 11.1 This standard does not establish limits on phthalates in
mium. Compliance with the screening limits may be estab- adult jewelry based on the absence of data establishing a safety
lished by any method appropriate for the covered material in risk.
14.1. Potentially ingestible or swallowable covered compo-
nents of adult jewelry that exceed this screening level shall be 12. Liquid Filled Jewelry Requirements
tested for soluble cadmium using an acid extraction test.
12.1 Liquid Screen—Adult jewelry should not contain ma-
Swallowable parts shall be identified by the method described
terials which would require special labeling under 16 CFR
in 14.7. The soluble level shall be determined by using the
1500.14.
method and limits specified in 14.3 where the component is a
plastic or polymeric material, and by using the method and 13. Mechanical Requirements for Adult Jewelry
limits specified in 14.4 where the component is metal. Covered
components that are mouthable and not ingestible or swallow- 13.1 Hazardous Magnets—Adult jewelry that contains haz-
able shall be tested using a saline extraction test using the ardous magnets as received should include a warning statement
method and limits specified in 14.5. If a jewelry product or which contains the following text or substantially equivalent
component in one dimension is smaller than 5 cm, it is text which clearly conveys the same warning.
mouthable. 13.1.1 For all adult jewelry containing hazardous magnets:
WARNING. Contains magnets. Prolonged wearing can
8.2 Exclusions from Cadmium Substrate Testing Require- form a hole in body tissue. Swallowed or inhaled magnets can
ments in Adult Jewelry: attract through and squeeze intestines or other body tissue,
8.2.1 Only accessible metal or plastic/polymeric compo- causing serious injury or death. Seek immediate medical
nents are subject to cadmium substrate testing. All other attention if swallowed or inhaled.
materials are excluded from screening and/or testing. Other NOTE 1—Manufacturers of adult jewelry containing hazardous magnets
materials may be added should data or information regarding should be aware that magnetic fields can affect the function of pacemakers
potential exposure risks from cadmium in other materials or other implanted electronic medical devices. Consideration of additional
become available. warnings should be given.
8.2.2 Reference—Specification F2923. 13.2 Adult Jewelry Containing Batteries—This requirement
is intended to address ingestion and inhalation hazards associ-
9. Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Chromium, Mercury and ated with adult jewelry that contains batteries.
Selenium in Substrates of Adult Jewelry 13.2.1 For all adult jewelry with batteries, batteries that are
9.1 This standard does not establish limits on antimony, swallowable or small objects as specified in 14.7 shall not be
arsenic, barium, chromium, mercury and selenium in substrate accessible without the use of a coin, screwdriver, or other
materials used in adult jewelry based on the absence of data common household tool. Testing is performed using the
establishing a potential safety risk. recommended batteries installed.
13.3 Suction Tongue Studs—Suction tongue studs should
10. Representations Regarding Nickel Exposure in Metal
include a warning statement which contains the following text
Components of Adult Jewelry
or substantially equivalent text which clearly conveys the same
10.1 Representations regarding the safety of adult jewelry warning:
for adults sensitive to nickel or the limited potential for nickel WARNING. CHOKING HAZARD. Keep away from chil-
to be released from metal components of adult jewelry shall be dren.
based on reasonable and representative tests, analyses or
compositional assessments suitable for the application. Rea- 14. Test Methods
sonable and appropriate test methods include, but are not 14.1 Test Methods to Determine Total Heavy Element Con-
limited to, those identified in 14.6. Precious metals listed in tent:
Table 2, and stainless or surgical steel grades 304, 316 or 430, 14.1.1 Testing to determine total heavy element content,
are expected to meet these requirements and do not require including for screening purposes, shall be based on any
testing. suitable method, such as:
10.2 Reference—EN 1811:2011+A1:2015; CR 12741: 2002; (1) CPSC-CH-E1003-09
EN 12472:2005+A1:2009. (2) CPSC-CH-E1001-08

4
 F2999 − 19
(3) CPSC-CH-E1001-08.3 14.5.1 The saline extraction simulates exposure to metal or
(4) CPSC-CH-E1002-08 plastic components of adult jewelry that are not potentially
(5) CPSC-CH-E1002-08.3 ingestible or swallowable but may be mouthed. The analysis is
14.1.2 Composite testing of similar or like materials in generally performed on an intact item or component unless the
accordance with Annex A7 of Consumer Safety Specification component is too large. In that case a representative homoge-
F963 is acceptable. neous sample may be cut from the item. The procedure for the
14.2 Method to Dissolve Soluble Matter in Paint and saline extraction is based on CPSC Standard Operating Proce-
Surface Coatings: dure for Measuring Lead in Children’s Metal Jewelry, February
14.2.1 Soluble elements in paint and surface coatings of 3, 2005, Section II, modified as follows:
jewelry should be tested in accordance with the method to 14.5.1.1 Suspend the adult jewelry item in a flask or beaker
dissolve soluble matter in paint and surface coatings of toys using insulated wire so that the item does not touch the bottom
consistent with Consumer Safety Specification F963. If the or edge of the flask/beaker, but will be submerged by saline.
sample weight of surface coating materials is less than 10 mg, 14.5.1.2 Add a volume in millilitres of 0.9 % saline (NaCl)
the sample is not tested for soluble heavy metals in coatings. solution equal to 50 times the mass in grams of the jewelry
item. Record the volume added.
14.3 Method to Determine Cadmium Availability in Plastic
14.5.1.3 Extraction is conducted for 6 h at 37°C in the
Jewelry Components:
shaker bath.
14.3.1 Plastic components of jewelry that are swallowable
14.5.1.4 The extracted solution is analyzed for cadmium
and exceed 1.5 % total cadmium shall be tested for migratable
content using an ICP spectrometer. Analysis procedure is based
cadmium in accordance with Consumer Safety Specification
on methodology found in Test Method E1613.
F963.
14.5.1.5 Extracted cadmium shall not exceed 18 µg.
14.3.2 Extracted cadmium shall not exceed 75 mg/kg (75
ppm). The analytical results as determined in 14.3 shall be 14.6 Nickel Release Tests—Statements regarding the pro-
adjusted by subtracting the assumed inter-laboratory analytical pensity of metal components of jewelry to release or expose
correction factor of 30 %. consumers to nickel shall be based on reasonable and appro-
priate tests, such as:
14.4 Method to Determine Cadmium Availability in Metal
14.6.1 EN 1811:2011+A1:2015—Reference test method for
Jewelry Components—Metal components of jewelry that are
release of nickel from all post assemblies which are inserted
swallowable and exceed 1.5 % total cadmium shall be tested
into pierced parts of the human body and articles intended to
for migratable cadmium in accordance with CPSC-CH-E1004-
come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin.
11, as adjusted for inter-laboratory variability in accordance
14.6.2 EN 12472:2005+A1:2009—Method for the simula-
with 14.4.1.
tion of wear and corrosion for the detection of nickel release
14.4.1 Extracted cadmium shall not exceed 200 µg. The
from coated items.
analytical results as determined in 14.4 shall be adjusted by
14.6.3 CR 12471: 2002—Screening test for nickel release
subtracting the assumed inter-laboratory analytical correction
from alloys and coatings in items that come into direct and
factor of 30 %.
prolonged contact with skin.
14.4.1.1 Example 1—The analytical result for cadmium is
230 µg; the correction factor is 30 % (0.30). Adjusted analytical 14.7 Test Requirements for Identifying Swallowable Com-
results = 230 − (230 × 0.30) = 230 − 69 = 161. The result does ponents and Small Objects:
not exceed the allowed value for migratable cadmium and is 14.7.1 A component or product is considered swallowable
therefore acceptable. or a small object when it is small enough to fit entirely, without
14.4.1.2 Example 2—The analytical result for migratable compressing it, within a cylinder with the dimensions shown in
cadmium is 300 µg; the correction factor is 30 % (0.30). Fig. 1.
Adjusted analytical results = 300 − (300 × 0.30) = 300 − 90 =
210. The result exceeds the allowed value for migratable 15. Keywords
cadmium and is therefore not acceptable. 15.1 adult jewelry; antimony; batteries; body piercing jew-
14.5 Saline Extraction Procedure for Plastic and Metal elry; cadmium; hazardous magnets; lead; migration; nickel;
Components of Jewelry: phthalates

5
 F2999 − 19

FIG. 1 Small Parts Cylinder

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. RATIONALE

A1.1 Intended User Labeling: on lead in jewelry in the EU, because they apply to adult and
A1.1.1 Labeling to identify the primary intended user or to children’s products without distinguishing the difference in
consumer of jewelry in a manner which clarifies that the target how adults and children handle jewelry and thus the differing
user is a teen or adult is encouraged. Users of this standard are potential risks. Further, it is not apparent that those limits were
also encouraged to consult Specification F2923, which pro- established based on a consideration of the actual risks
vides guidance on identifying children’s jewelry versus adult associated with migration in the event of accidental mouthing
jewelry. or ingestion.
A1.2.2 Exclusions from the lead limits include materials not
A1.2 Specification for Lead in Adult Jewelry: known to contain lead or known to contain lead that is not
A1.2.1 The specified lead limits for adult jewelry are based bioavailable, for example, as in crystal, ceramics or cloisonne.
on extensive test data that established the safety of these limits An additional exclusion is permitted for repurposed materials,
for various materials used in jewelry. The Subcommittee including “found” objects incorporated into adult jewelry. Such
considered, and rejected, international standards, such as limits items are typically one of a kind; testing is infeasible as it

6
 F2999 − 19
would destroy the item, and no available data suggests that use A1.5.2 Antimony is commonly alloyed with tin, including
of repurposed items or components in adult jewelry covered by in pewter, for example. The Federal Trade Commission’s
this standard is associated with any risk of harm to users. Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries
(16 C.F.R. §23.8) requires that pewter must be made of at least
A1.3 Specifications For Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, 900 parts per 1000 Grade A Tin, with the remainder composed
Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, And Selenium in Paint of metals appropriate for use in pewter. Antimony is such a
and Surface Coatings of Adult Jewelry: material, as it imparts strength, hardness and corrosion-
A1.3.1 The specified limits are based on requirements for resistance to tin. Use of antimony as a substitute for lead in
children’s jewelry in Specification F2923. While higher limits pewter is an early example of “green chemistry” in action. Tin
can be justified on a scientific basis, compliant coatings are itself will contain trace amounts of antimony (typically in the
widely available that meet these requirements. range of 200 ppm). Antimony is also used in some “lead-free”
solders. To achieve appropriate technical functionality in
A1.4 Specification for Cadmium in Adult Jewelry: jewelry, solders must melt at a lower temperature than the
A1.4.1 The recommended cadmium screening limit for substrate material it is joining, which is why the addition of a
adult jewelry derives from CPSC tests of migration of cad- metal such as antimony provides technical functionality in the
mium from metal and plastic components of children’s jewelry solder. In the glass and crystal industry, antimony is an
using a 24-h acid extraction test that involves constant shak- essential element used as a refining agent to remove bubbles
ing.10 The Subcommittee considered, and rejected, interna- caused by the melting process. Without antimony, bubbles will
tional standards, such as limits on cadmium in jewelry in the remain in the crystal and the brilliance will be destroyed.
EU, because they apply to adult and to children’s products A1.5.3 As another example, chromium gives stainless and
without distinguishing the difference in how adults and chil- surgical steel anti-corrosion properties and is present at levels
dren handle jewelry and thus the differing potential risks. that can approach 20 %. Stainless and surgical steel are deemed
Further, it is not apparent that those limits were established extremely safe. Surgical implant steel is a recommended
based on a consideration of the actual risks associated with material for use in body piercing jewelry, for example.
migration in the event of accidental mouthing or ingestion.
Instead, the ASTM Subcommittee looked to CPSC and similar A1.5.4 Based on the absence of any known health risks
data evaluating migration of cadmium from jewelry. The CPSC associated with exposure to these materials in substrates of
report indicates that samples containing approximately 1.3 % adult jewelry, this standard does not set limits on them.
cadmium showed virtually no migratable cadmium. This data A1.6 Representations Regarding Nickel Exposure in Metal
is the basis for adoption of the screening limit, which repre- Components of Adult Jewelry:
sents a very conservative approach to assessing cadmium
exposure in metal and plastics. The screening limit has been A1.6.1 The standard does not impose a limit on nickel
rounded for convenience to be consistent with applicable limits migration in adult jewelry. However, a minority of adults (10 to
for lead in unplated metal. The safety rationale for the lead 20 % of the general population) may be sensitive to nickel and
limits is discussed in A1.2. Notably, the CPSC’s data suggests seek out jewelry with a statement about nickel content or
that cadmium may bind more closely to the substrate than lead, exposure. The standard therefore requires that any representa-
meaning cadmium is less likely to migrate than lead. This tions regarding the safety of adult jewelry for adults sensitive
reinforces the conservative nature of the screening limit. to nickel in labeling or advertising must be based on reasonable
Materials other than metal or plastic are excluded from the and representative tests, analyses or compositional assessments
cadmium limits. suitable for the application. Some appropriate test methods are
listed in 14.6. These tests are not intended to be the exclusive
A1.5 Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Chromium, Mercury and way that such representations may be supported. Composi-
Selenium in Certain Substrates of Adult Jewelry: tional analyses, product specifications or any other reasonable
A1.5.1 This standard adopts migration limits on the pres- method developed by the manufacturer may also provide a
ence of antimony, arsenic, barium, chromium, mercury and basis to support representations related to limited nickel
selenium only in paint and surface coatings of adult jewelry. exposure.
No limits on these substances are established for substrate A1.7 Phthalates in Adult Jewelry:
materials used in adult jewelry. There are no known adverse
health effects associated with historic use of these materials in A1.7.1 The ASTM Subcommittee received questions about
jewelry and jewelry components in products for either adults or whether limits on phthalates in adult jewelry should be
children, and no limits for these materials in substrate are established. There are no limits on phthalates in the children’s
required for children’s jewelry under Specification F2923. The jewelry standard, Specification F2923. Phthalates are plasticiz-
ASTM Subcommittee considered and rejected the need for ers typically used to add flexibility to certain types of plastics.
imposing limits on these materials in this standard. To assist Flexible plastics have limited use in jewelry. No data suggests
users of this standard, however, use of antimony and chromium that jewelry for either adults or children is a significant source
in jewelry are highlighted below. of exposure to phthalates. There is limited data supporting a
correlation between the percentage of phthalate in the product
10
CPSC Staff Report: Cadmium in Children’s Metal Jewelry, October, 2010, p. and the release rate (migration). Phthalates are not acutely
55, http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia11/os/cadmiumjewelry.pdf. toxic. Depending on the phthalate or mixture, major sources of

7
 F2999 − 19
exposure to phthalates include food, personal care products, on a threshold response (some level must be reached to obtain
industrial materials (adhesives, caulks and sealants, paints, an effect); as such, it is assumed that jewelry use would be an
coatings), dust, vinyl home products, building materials and insignificant contributor to the overall body burden. In fact,
automobile interiors, medical devices and supplements/ children’s jewelry is not subject to limits on phthalates under
medications. As jewelry products would be inconsistently worn the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA);
(“mixed and matched”) and should phthalate exposure occur limits on certain phthalates apply only to toys, toys that can be
through occasional mouthing or accidental ingestion, this mouthed, and child care articles. Consequently, the Subcom-
would be considered an incidental or acute exposure given the mittee did not believe that a scientific basis existed to establish
overall daily exposure to an individual from the aforemen- a limit on phthalates in adult jewelry in this standard.
tioned sources. Models for phthalate risk consider safety based

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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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