Crackdown after 'toxic' bling dummy craze hits region

The warnings have been issued by Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Dudley councils after they were alerted to a growing trend of people buying dummy chains which have been decorated by people at home and then sold via the internet.

While the original individual pieces may adhere to safety regulations, concerns have been raised about the chains once they have been decorated and assembled.

Fears include gem stones becoming detached and swallowed by children, the glue or paint applied being potentially toxic, and hygiene issues with the jewellery. Last May, two 'bling dummy' traders had their operation shut down when they were caught by trading standards officers in Scotland.

Those that modify dummies have to ensure they are safe before they are sold for prices up to £25. The accessory increased in popularity after Beyoncé and Jay-Z's daughter Blue Ivy reportedly received a diamond-studded dummy as a birthday gift.

Officers in Wolverhampton have been visiting children's centres to highlight the dangers the custom-made dummies could pose. Councillor John Reynolds, the city council's cabinet member for city services, said: "While selling custom-made 'dummy chains' is not illegal we want people to make ensure they are safe before they do so."

Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell Council cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "We are aware that there is a growing trend among parents to customise their children's dummies. Parents should be extremely careful when customising dummies for children."

Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member responsible for trading standards in Dudley, said: "The dummies being purchased in bulk in the first place meet all safety regulations but they are then being decorated at home with hand-glued gems, beads and magnets, which is where the concern lies."