On March 1, a law takes effect tightly regulating levels of lead in adult jewelry sold in California. The new rule follows a law enacted Sept. 1 with even tighter restrictions on lead levels in children's jewelry. Once it takes effect, anyone selling jewelry with more than just trace amounts of lead in surface coatings or plastic and rubber components risks racking up hefty penalties until they clear their shelves of offending products. Exposure to lead can cause health effects ranging from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to organ failure and death. While lead exposure can harm adults, children under the age of 6 are especially susceptible, as their brains are still developing.

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