Cinnabar has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and in ceremonies. More recently, cinnabar has become fashionable in jewelry making, used in pendants, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. The vibrant red color makes for eye-catching accessories.
Cinnabar jewellery often features raw or polished gem-quality cinnabar. However, much of the affordable cinnabar jewelry sold today is made by artificially coloring quartz with cinnabar-red pigment rather than using real cinnabar mineral. It's important to check that what you're buying is actually real cinnabar if the natural mineral is what you're after.
Why is Cinnabar Potentially Unsafe?
The reason for concern over cinnabar jewelry comes down to the mercury content of cinnabar. When mercury sulfide is heated or treated with acid, it releases elemental (metallic) mercury. This is the highly toxic form of mercury that accumulates in the body and the environment.
Wearing cinnabar jewelry brings the mercury-based compound into direct contact with your skin for prolonged periods. There are fears this could lead to mercury absorption through the skin over time.
Research into Mercury Absorption from Cinnabar
Several scientific studies have looked specifically at how much mercury is absorbed through the skin from wearing cinnabar jewelry. The findings are somewhat reassuring for low to moderate cinnabar exposure.
One study had volunteers wear cinnabar rings for four weeks. Urine testing showed elevated mercury levels, indicating absorption through the skin. However, mercury levels returned to normal just 10 days after ceasing to wear the rings. The researchers concluded that occasional cinnabar jewelry wearing carries low risk.
A more recent study had volunteers handle cinnabar powder directly. Although this caused greater mercury absorption than the rings, levels still dropped rapidly after exposure ended. The scientists determined a "no observed adverse effect level" based on kidney function monitoring.
However, they note that the long-term effects of prolonged exposure remain uncertain. Those wearing cinnabar jewelry daily over many months or years have greater potential risk of bioaccumulation.
Who is Most at Risk from Cinnabar Jewelry?
The research indicates that briefly handling or occasionally wearing cinnabar jewelry is unlikely to cause harm. However, some groups may be more vulnerable to adverse effects:
- Pregnant women – The fetus is highly sensitive to mercury, so pregnant women should avoid cinnabar entirely. Mercury can impair fetal brain development.
- Children – Their smaller size and developing brains and organs make children more susceptible to mercury toxicity. Kids should not wear cinnabar jewelry.
- Those with kidney disease – The kidneys are vulnerable to mercury effects, so those with impaired kidney function are at higher risk.
- People with many cinnabar items – Wearing cinnabar daily, having cinnabar powder cosmetics as well as jewelry, or having many cinnabar items in the home may lead to excessive exposure.
Signs of Mercury Poisoning
Mild to moderate mercury poisoning can cause symptoms including:
- Tingling or numbness in hands, feet or around the mouth
- Impaired coordination and muscle weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Anxiety, irritability, depression
Higher level mercury poisoning can impact kidney function, cause respiratory failure, and be fatal. Anyone experiencing unexplained neurological, gastrointestinal, or psychological symptoms should mention possible cinnabar exposure to their doctor. Blood or urine tests can check mercury levels.
Minimizing Any Risks of Cinnabar Jewelry
If you wish to keep wearing treasured cinnabar jewelry, some precautions can help minimize any potential risks:
- Avoid daily wear. Save cinnabar for occasional use only.
- Check for cracks, damage, flaking. Damaged jewelry is more likely to release mercury. Don't wear damaged items.
- Avoid contact with moisture and harsh chemicals like perfume that could degrade cinnabar.
- Wash hands after handling. Consider removing cinnabar jewelry for bathing, swimming, exercising, cooking.
- Monitor your health and mention cinnabar exposure if any symptoms emerge.
For most people, wearing cinnabar jewelry occasionally and with care carries low risk. Those who are pregnant, children, and people with reduced kidney function should avoid cinnabar entirely, however. Daily prolonged use also increases potential for mercury exposure, so moderation is wise. Overall, cinnabar jewelry remains safe to enjoy in small doses with sensible precautions. But it's sensible to limit its use and pay attention to your health.
