Recently, there has been an increased regulatory focus on potential human exposure to lead from various consumer products, including jewellery. Crystal has unique properties. The crystal manufacturing process creates a matrix which inhibits the mobility of lead. There are many different health effects associated with elevated blood lead levels. Young children under the age of six are especially vulnerable to lead's harmful health effects because their brains and central nervous system are still being formed. For them, even very low levels of exposure can result in reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, and kidney damage. At high levels of exposure, a child may become mentally retarded, fall into a coma, and even die from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning has also been associated with juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior.
Swarovski is the world leader in the manufacture of crystal for industrial and consumer applications, including figurines and jewelry. The question is Swarovski being ethically irresponsable by offering product that is dangerous for our lives? California Proposition 65 law requires that Swarovski goods to be labeled as hazzardous because Swarovski Crystal has 32% of lead. It is used to maximize the way the light refracts through the crystal which gives them an almost diamond-like sparkling quality.
Swarovski representative Karen Sweeny says that the crystal manufacturing process creates a matrix which inhibits the mobility of lead. In other words, lead is bound into the structure of the crystal. Because of this structure, lead crystal poses no significant risk of excessive lead exposure to human health via surface contact (hand to mouth), mouthing or even ingestion. Indeed, Swarovski crystals have been tested under a variety of test methods for extractable lead. Test conditions and procedures do vary, but lead levels are well below regulatory limits even when the crystal is tested in an acid solution to maximize the release of lead. So, California AB 1681 allows the continued use of crystal without limitation in jewellery not intended for children. For children 6 or younger, up to 1 gram of crystal may be used in such jewellery. These same standards were adopted in the state of Minnesota. Similar bills are pending in other states, but some states are considering or have adopted new limits on lead that do not include an exemption for crystal.
Bottom line is unless you're grinding up the crystals and sprinkling them on your breakfast cereal, it is doubtful that "normal" jewellery usage and wear will give you any problems. Swarovski crystal is safe to wear. And that's what we really need to know. Otherwise, they would have gone out of business long time ago and you wouldn't see not only beaders and jewellery makers but also some very prominent fashion designers using them.
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