For those new to the Lead Safe Mama website:
Tamara Rubin is a multiple-federal-award-winning independent advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety, and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children (two of her four sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005).
- Tamara owns and runs Lead Safe Mama, LLC — a unique community collaborative woman-owned small business for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety.
- Since 2009, Tamara has been conducting XRF testing (a scientific testing method) using the exact instrumentation employed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals — including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic).
- Since July of 2022, the work of Lead Safe Mama, LLC has been responsible for 5 product recalls (FDA and CPSC).
- All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable.
- Recent notable press… There has been too much to mention already in 2024! Please check out our press page to see some of the amazing coverage of our work so far this year!
My friends, followers, and readers have been asking me for this one for a while, so here’s a dedicated post with a few choices for measuring cups that are similar to those in my home or to ones I recommend based on testing I have completed for others.
Important note: Many measuring cups with painted markings (even the newer ones) have Lead, cadmium, or other ickies in the paint. As a result, I avoid anything in my kitchen that has any sort of painted markings.
Basically, the rules are:
- Clear, unpainted modern glass or
- Stainless steel
- Avoid painted decorations of any kind, including painted measurement markings and logos
- Avoid enamel coatings
- Avoid plastics
- Avoid rubberized handles
If you follow those rules you should end up with measuring cups that have either no Lead at all (or very trace Lead that is a low-level contaminant vs. an additive, as it is in paints and enamels).
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links where a purchase made after clicking will earn Lead Safe Mama, LLC a small percentage of what you spend without costing you extra!
Some good choices:
- Clear Glass 8 cup Measuring cup Batter Bowl with Spout (this is on my “I want” list!)
- Clear Glass 8 oz Measuring cup
- Stainless Measuring cup and Spoon set (these are the exact ones I have in my home — pictured below)
Thanks for reading!
Happy shopping!
And, as always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Hi! Do you know if Le Creuset have lead in their enamel products (new)? We have several pots and pans from them in enamel…Thanks!
Did you get the anchor 8 cup anchor measuring bowl? It was at my BigLots today for $6 and its on amazon now for $15 (says normally 32…not sure its that a true price).
I too am interested to know your opinion about Le Creuset products (I’ve noticed that several people have posted and asked about the brand). I see that you have tested some of their products (thank you!) and that they do have lead in their exteriors (at least the ones with bright colors).
I’m specifically concerned about what happens when an enamel covered cast iron pot (like Le Creuset) gets chipped. If it’s chipped, is the lead more likely to “escape”?
Thank you so much for all the work you do.
Two questions-what about anchor hocking plastic lids?
My understanding is that le creuset made in France is ok; it is the knock offs made in China are not– true?
The plastic lids are negative for lead. Le Creuset no matter what the country of origin has often tested high for either cadmium or lead. I would never have Le Creuset in my home and do not consider them to be a responsible company.
The INSIDE has lead and cadmium???
No, the paint on the exterior… which often wears off (into your cooking area/dishwasher/etc.)
I just saw the info about lead in dishes, mugs and never knew. I use and love an old Corelle set on the just with extremely high led. I need to replace it right away. How about the Mikasa Vail set, it’s all white https://www.mikasa.com/products/vail-40-piece-dinnerware-set-service-for-8?variant=39933116448904
New Mikasa may be Lead-free (or may at least be within the “Lead Safe” range of under 90 ppm Lead) – but the back mark may be high Lead. Vintage Mikasa is often very high Lead (even the plain white ones). Here’s the Mikasa category of articles here on the website (where you can see different examples, both old and new – and their Lead test results):
https://tamararubin.com/category/mikasa/
In general I don’t like the Mikasa brand because they have consistently used high levels of Lead for so long.
You can look up Lead free dishes here on the site (there are a lot of examples). This video shows how to efficiently search the site:
https://tamararubin.com/2022/05/how-to-use-the-lead-safe-mama-website-video/
My shopping site also has links to known lead free brands for various products:
http://www.ShopLeadSafeMama.com
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
Have you tested Le Creuset with your XRF? I have a few of their products 🙁 I tought they were lead free…
Hi Tamara,
great site!
I’m confused about your statement about lead in the paint markings. A company that sells non toxic kitchen supplies (mightynest) and anchor hocking glass measuring cups with painted red markings claims the manufacturer told them: “it would be illegal for them to use paint with lead in it and not communicate that to their customer.” Mightynest went on to say the cups are “perfectly safe.”
The anchor hocking site (https://www.oneida.com/anchorhocking-faq/) also claims their products are “lead, cadmium and heavy metal free.”
Furthermore, according to the EPA “In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint”
You said “many” of the cups with markings have lead and cadmium. Is it possible to see the results from your tests? What are your thoughts on this?
Thank you!
Look up “Measuring Cups” on the site to see more results… I’ll find you a few. The newer ones tend to be high cadmium, not high lead. The lead paint ban was only in residential house paint, there is no comparable ban for kitchenware. The only standard being used for kitchenware is leaching, not total lead content.
Here are a few examples: https://tamararubin.com/category/measuring-cups/
I have the White measuring cup and matching spoon set from TUPPERWARE. Is that color safe? Was purchased within last 10 years.
All my TUPPERWARE is either 20, 10 or 5 or less years old. Discard all or from what year is considered safe?
Hi Lisa!
I just received one of these to test. I will be posting the results here on the blog shortly and will also share them on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/LeadSafeMama.
I don’t know the cut-off years (as to when the toxicants were no longer used in their products) but I have heard from many readers of my blog that the company made an effort to remove toxicants (specifically BPA) in 2008, so I assume (based on this) that any product newer than 2008 is going to be safe from several toxicants and I expect that the Lead was likely removed no later than the year 2000 – however I do not have a way to confirm this as I do not yet have a way to date the pieces that I have tested.
Thank you for commenting.
Tamara
Hi Tamara! I haven’t found those Tupperware cups or spoons on here. Were you able to scan them?
Hi Tamara, Thank you so much for the work that you are doing and sharing!! I am so happy to have found your site! I saw that many new Ikea items have tested lead-free, and I was wondering if you might test Ikea’s glass measuring cups? I find the clear glass measuring cups hard to read, and having a safe printed option would be very helpful to reduce mistakes for my kids and older mother. I was sad to realize the pyrex measuring cups I have used for years measured so high!
Hello, thank you for these safe measuring cup suggestions. I would just like to ask – why should we avoid enamel coating? I thought enamel was generally safe.
Hi Sarah,
Most enamel has lead or cadmium or both. Some also has arsenic. It also deteriorates and chips with use, plus some of the metals are in fairly high levels which means they are being mined and refined for the manufacturing process and thereby polluting the planet. Check out some of my enamelware posts on this link: https://tamararubin.com/category/enamelware/
Tamara
Hi Tamara, Thank you so much for the work that you are doing and sharing!! I am so happy to have found your site!
VERY CONCERNED: As I start to switch out my products, I am concerned about putting them in the trash- cause I think it would leach into the ground or public water. True?? For obvious reasons, not bring to good will type stores. How to discard our leaded & toxic items?
Thank You.
Here’s my post about that:
https://tamararubin.com/2019/12/what-should-i-do-with-my-lead-contaminated-dishes-to-toss-or-not-to-toss/
Here also is my post with a little video that shows how to most efficiently search the website:
https://tamararubin.com/2020/12/how-to-use-the-lead-safe-mama-website-video/
Thanks for being here!
T
What about bath tubs? Cast iron, coated with enamel?
I’m so happy I came across your site! I was looking for safe mug options and here I am. I’m now searching EVERYTHING! I have an 8 cup Pyrex measuring/mixing cup and a 1 cup. I think those will be leaving the house now. I do have the Anchor Hocking one and it’s my favorite of the 2 large mixing cups. I love that it’s fully clear and taller walled vs wide.
Thanks for commenting Amber!
You can (almost always) tell which of the Pyrex or Anchor cups have Lead or Cadmium based on the styling on the fonts from the different years. If the font or design matches yours (even if the size of the font or the size of the cup is different), then the Lead or Cadmium levels will likely be similar.
Tamara
Hi Tamara! Thanks for being such an amazing resource. I purchased the Stainless 8 Cup Multipot (Stovetop Safe) based upon your recommendation above but was surprised to see it has painted markings on the inside of the stainless steel. Of course I’m worried about this wearing off/into the liquid inside, over time. These markings tested safe for you?
Thanks,
LB
I see that Norpro makes a 650 8 Cup Multi Pot with Straining Lid, 1.9 Liter. which looks identical to the Multi Pot that you recommend. I’d like to the have one with a lid to use for cooking. Planning to use it to prepare mung bean porridge, oatmeal, millet, quinoa, etc,.
Shall I assume that it is also a good choice ?
Thanks so kindly for all of this information. I’ve been focused on creating a healthy home for a couple of decades. Your research is so appreciated *
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000E2PO7/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
can you show examples about fonts as Im not understanding fro pyrex and anchor hocking. Thanks
Does the paint on silicone measuring cups alff sad o test high for cadmium?
OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Squeeze & Pour Silicone Measuring Cup with Stay-Cool Pattern https://amzn.to/2PU9z3I (Tamara’s affiliate link).
I was wondering the same thing because I have one of these at home.
I have been using Corning dinnerware, grab-it bowls, etc , since 1964. How do these test for heavy metals? Are the new Corelle, plain white items safe?
Thank you for your research and data. I test high for Cadmium and Arsenic and am puzzled regarding the possible source.
Hi Camille Grace,
I am not familiar with those products. Can you share a link with me? With a picture?
Thank you!
Oh my, am I vintage! The table place setting is called Centura and I received a zillion pieces as wedding gifts. They are virtually indestructible and I suspect have metal as part of their makeup. Mine are plain white. They were made by Corning from 1962 – 1977. I found a set on sale at Etsy which you might be able to bring up by Googling: vintage-corning-centura-white. I am a Luddite and unable to send a picture – sorry.
In addition to the place settings, I also have numerous Cornflower casserole dishes and other decorated items, which I will discontinue using per your advice. Thank you for an invaluable service!
Hi Tamara
Did you test any Tupperware made in Canada? I wonder if they got the materials from the same source. Can you share your results please?
Wow! My daughter sent me a link to your site as I am trying to clean out my parents house of all their old stuff, a lot of what you have mentioned. Now I know these things are bad, but if they are on the out side of a pcs and you cook on the inside how does it transfer to the food? And if it is likely to come off easily in the dishwasher and you have a pcs that is 50 years old, from the 70’s, wouldn’t most of it have come off by now?
Hi! Do you know if the Biscuit brand latte bowls from anthropologie test high for any metals? They are glazed ceramic porcelain
I see you recommend a lot of Anchor Hocking products, but when I went to order – specifically this batter bowl – it still had a Prop 65 warning. I clicked through their other various products and found the same. Do you know what the deal is with that? Libbey on the same site (Webstaurant) had no warnings.
I was wondering if you (Tamara) are concerned about antimony in unpainted Anchor Hocking measuring cups since you found antimony on the clear glass of this Anchor Hocking measuring cup: https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/anchor-hocking-measuring-cup-36300-ppm-lead-580-cadmium-are-the-painted-markings-on-your-glass-measuring-cup-worn/
The measuring cup I have has the markings on the outside of the cup not the inside. Why does that matter? I am not licking the markings on the outside of the cup. Does the paint slowly come off, a little bit at time?
Hi,
Thank you for all the work you do! Is it safe to say that all Amco measuring cups and spoons are safe to use since the one you linked above is? I found a different style set of their measuring cups and spoons on Wayfair and wanted to check before I buy it.
Thank you!
Hi Tamara
Have you tested the measuring jugs in Ikea? I know that you’ve tested a lot of Ikea stuff and it’s often safe. Also the jugs have black writing not white or red.
I’m in Australia and can’t find measuring jugs that have the measurements just in the glass, not printed. (It’s also a bit far to send you one to test!!) Our cup etc measures are slightly different to US ones so I’d prefer not to order from the US. It would be great if the Ikea ones were ok.
Hi Tamara,
I was looking into getting that clear glass 8 cup batter bowl from Anchor Hocking but noticed that there is a Prop65 warning on it. Have you tested this particular item personally to confirm? Appreciate it!
Sorry forgot to mention here’s the link where I see the warning: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/anchor-hocking-81605ahg18-2-qt-glass-measuring-cup/55081605A.html
Hi Tamara! Thank you for all that you do!
I was wondering if you have tested the pampered chef clear glass batter bowls? The ones with the white lids. I have the older version.
I’ll go back to using a clear Ball one cup fruit jar for measuring. It has accurate markings on the side.
Thank you. I came to this site researching why I’m sick every single winter, when I live on home made organic food from a glazed slow cooker, measuring wholesome ingredients with a red-printed glass measure, drinking organic tea from a beautiful glazed mug. I’ve had dozens of blood tests, only to be diagnosed as a hypochondriac, who happens to have all the symptoms of lead poisoning, but was never tested for lead.
I’m throwing out all my glazed cookware and dishes. I’m not taking a chance.
God bless you.
Can you make another recommendation for measuring cups and spoons? They no longer sell that on Amazon. Thank you for your work!
Tamara, you are my hero! And congratulations on the success of your boys! I am searching for measuring cups that are microwave-safe. The one your husband likes states that it is not. Do you know of any? Would a mason jar be safe from toxic chemicals?