Lead In Dishes and Crystal

The following information is taken from "Lead: Some Questions and Answers".

Do dishes or ceramic ware contain lead?

Since 1980, FDA has had limits on lead and cadmium in ceramic ware products. The limits were lowered in 1991 to reduce consumer exposure to lead in food from ceramic dishes that may have lead glazes. Most ceramic ware items sold in the United States meet current FDA limits because manufactures tightly control the way they make dishes to minimize the potential for lead to leach into food.

Suspect ceramic ware products entering the United States from other countries can be automatically held at Customs until the importer or distributor can prove that the products meet FDA requirements. Sometimes, however, individuals bring ceramic ware items into the United States in personal baggage. These items may not be closely examined when they enter the country and may have a lead glaze or decoration that can allow high levels of lead to get into food. Ceramics made by craftspeople in the United States may also pose a risk because of uneven quality control or the ceramics firing practices used.

To avoid possible exposure to lead from ceramics and other tableware, consumers should take the following precautions:

• Do not store food in any dishes that may contain lead
• Do not store food in antiques or collectibles
• Be wary of using or of storing food or beverages in highly decorated or metallic-coated tableware, particularly items made in other countries or by amateurs and hobbyists
• Pregnant women should limit their use of lead-glazed mugs or cups for hot beverages, since lead is harmful to fetuses

Is there a way to find out if my dishes contain lead?

Many manufacturers of tableware maintain toll-free telephone numbers for consumers to call if they have questions about their product. To obtain a manufacturer's phone number, contact the information operator for toll-free numbers at (800) 555-1212.

Do-it-yourself test kits are commercially available. These kits do not indicate how much lead is present, however, and their reliability at detecting low levels of lead has not been determined.

Does glass or crystal ware contain lead?

Ordinary glassware does not contain lead, but lead is used to make the more expensive lead crystal. People who have lead crystal items should take the following precautions:

• Do not store liquids in lead crystal glasses or bottles
• Do not drink from lead crystal on a daily basis, especially if you are pregnant
• Do not feed an infant or child from a lead crystal baby bottle or cup