LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Cadmium has been discovered in the painted design on "Shrek"-themed drinking glasses being sold nationwide at McDonald'*, forcing the burger giant to recall 12 million of the cheap U.*.-made collectibles while dramatically expanding contamination concerns about the toxic metal beyond imported children'* jewelry.

The CPSC noted in its recall notice that "long-term exposure to cadmium can cause adverse health effects." Cadmium is a known carcinogen that research shows also can cause bone softening and severe kidney problems.

In the case of the Shrek-themed glassware, the potential danger would be long-term exposure to low levels of cadmium, which could leach from the paint onto a child'* hand, then enter the body if the child puts that unwashed hand to his or her mouth.