Industry says kids' jewelry needs lead to be cheap

According to the Fashion Jewelry Trade Association, lead should continue being used in jewelry for children despite its health risks because it keeps costs down for companies and consumers.

The group said lead keeps costs down by reducing the number of children.

"We all know that kids like to share their toys with their friends," a representative said. "As their lead-filled jewelry makes its rounds, the savings begin. Assuming everything goes right, it will kill wave after wave of children, which saves money for both parents and companies. It saves parents money because there will be fewer children around to work the peer-pressure angle on any surviving kids, and the companies won't have to make as much jewelry. It's a win-win situation."

http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN2041857220070921