Vintage – made in Chicago by “Ingrid” • 1970s plastic cup and plate.
When tested with an XRF instrument this set had the following readings:
Yellow Plastic Plate:
- Lead (Pb): 4,002 ppm
- Arsenic (As): 1,025 ppm
Yellow Plastic Cup:
- Lead (Pb): 3,235 ppm
- Arsenic (As): 848 ppm
The amount of lead considered unsafe in items manufactured today intended for use by children is 90 ppm lead or higher in the paint or coating or 100 ppm Lead (or higher) in the substrate. This dish set would therefore definitely NOT be considered safe for use by children using modern toxicant regulatory standards.
Most dishes are not sold as “intended for children” so total lead content (as detectible with an XRF) is not regulated (now or historically.) Vintage or antique dishware is also not regulated for total lead content nor lead toxicity.
I am not saying that these dishes (or any specific dishes that test positive for lead) will poison you, I am only saying they may contain an unsafe level of lead by today’s regulatory standards for items intended to be used by children. Regardless of whether or not something is in compliance with regulatory standards (or whether or not there even exists a relevant applicable regulatory standard) Lead is one of the most potent neurotoxins known to man and does not belong in our kitchens nor on our dining room table. Children use dishes. They should be regulated as children’s items (especially for re-sale of vintage functional food use items – including vintage plastic dishes like these and vintage Tupperware).
For lead-safe / lead-free dishware options, click here.
As always, thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Thank you so much for this Information! My dad gave me the full Ingrid Party Ball Picnic Dishes set to use with my two toddlers and we loved it – until we read more about it. It got recycled and we now have glass even for the toddles. It’s fine! Thank you!!
Oh good! Thank your commenting Blair!
– Tamara
Just found this article. OMG! I have an Ingrid Chicago utensil tray and was wondering what the recycle number is label? Or is this considered a household hazardous material? I do not want to throw in the trash(landfill).
Is this tray recyclable?
Gee. Just researching these plates…still have a few plates from the late 70’s! Wanted extras to use with my grandkids. Timely information. Now I know.
Thank you for your time and effort.
You are welcome!
Tamara
Does this apply only to the yellow? I have orange and white that I got at a thrift store. My toddler uses only these. We went for her two year check up the other day and she tested at a lead level of 4.3 and normal is 1 or lower. I’ve tested my water and it’s not the water.