Q. about lead in dinnerware

Anonymous

I'm hoping someone can help me with this. How concerned should I be about the lead content of my fine china, which was made in the USA but purchased way back in the early '80s, before the enforcement of stricter lead content regulations. It was brand new when I bought it, so it's not what I'd call antique. I'm just wondering because I've read to be careful with the lead content in antique china. The problem is that nobody specifies exactly how old "antique" china is; and the older I get, the older my china gets lol. I've seen some of my Fostoria crystal sold in antique shops in Florida, and that stuff was purchased in the '70s by my mother and then handed down to me. It's not that old.

Also, how concerned should I be about new dinnerware that's made in China and sold in the USA? Seems like just about everything sold in the USA nowadays is made elsewhere.

13 years ago

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3 replies

Latest reply was from

Anonymous

Here are some links that might help you.

http://www.leadinspector.com/product/

http://goaskalice.columbia.edu.....51-harmful
"Lead test kits that can detect the presence of lead in drinking water, paint, dishes, or other surfaces are also available for sale on the Internet for about $10 – $50. Some kits contain chemicals that turn color when exposed to lead particles, while others allow you to collect samples and mail them back to a lab for testing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a description and evaluation of some of the more popular lead home test kits on their web site. Additionally, NYC residents can test their drinking water for free by requesting a free lead test kit through NYC 311.

Some of the most beautiful pieces of stoneware are also the most dangerous to use due to their high lead content. It’s best to consider these pieces decorations, not dishes, unless they pass a lead test."

13 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

Intersting. I always thought it was the vintage stuff we had to be careful of. Thanks for asking Ruth.

The only time I was aware of lead content was when buying hand painted pieces by a local craftsperson and then was warned ahead of time that it was decorative only.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Here are several online articles I found about lead in dinnerware. The first link bothers me because it involves a recall of Pfaltzgraff dinnerware. I have a set of Pfaltzgraff (different pattern than what was recalled), so I'm wondering now if I should keep it or not. ??? The recall gives me the heebeejeebees about that company.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Reca.....112436.htm

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumer.....233531.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSa.....233281.htm

http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=12465018

I knew about the south-of-the-border problems ages ago, and have never used my decorative pottery for anything other than decoration. I own fine handpainted Pickard china, as well as Corelle everyday dinnerware, that were made in the USA. I am now buying a set of Fiestaware, also made in the USA, because it's advertised as being lead free and because I want to support American workers. It's on sale right now and priced the same as Corelle, so why not upgrade? I plan to give my Corelle to my DDs when they leave home, which should be soon.

I don't have a phobia about Chinese-made products, as I know there are problems here in our own country and in other countries as well. Also, Mexico appears to be the country most mentioned in articles about lead in dinnerware and pottery. That said, I think it's prudent to know about these things. My concerns are about anything made prior to the 1980s, when US government standards regarding lead content were not as strict.

FWIW: The office I work in tests well water, so I'm aware of the dangers of lead, etc. in drinking water. Fortunately, my house is on city water. While I hate paying for water, I feel safer now that I know how many people with well water experience problems and have to buy expensive filtration systems and/or replace their copper pipes with PVC. It's amazing how many people have to shock chlorinate their wells, too, due to bacteria contamination (E Coli and Coliform).

13 years ago

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