2017 Oxo Silicone Spatula: Lead-free, however it was positive for 24 ppm Cadmium (a safe level by all current standards).

Oxo Black Silicone Spatula: Lead Free, Cadmium: 24 +/- 10 ppm.

NOTE: While this particular item (the exact one tested is pictured below) was Lead-free (non-detect for Lead with an XRF instrument) I have also tested many items from this brand that were positive for trace levels of Lead in the rubberized handles. As a result I do not recommend products from this brand.

For more Oxo items I have tested, click here.

Click here for more #SaferChoices for your family!

But Cadmium?

I have found a lot of newly produced silicone kitchen items to test positive for trace levels of Cadmium in the silicone components.  “Trace” means that it is a VERY SMALL amount, that is not an added ingredient but is more a contaminant in the other ingredients for the product.

Personally, I haven’t yet come to a conclusion about what that (trace Cadmium levels) might mean and how that might be impacting our (collective) health (especially since trace Cadmium levels seem to be in so many things.). However based on the research I have done to date, it does not appear that anyone (or any agency or scientific body) has studied the impact of these trace levels of Cadmium on human health (especially and specifically the concern for trace levels found in kitchenware). 

By standards for children’s toys, anything under 40 ppm Cadmium is considered safe, however given Cadmium is a known carcinogen I personally believe it does not belong in any of our kitchenware or food-use products (at any level.)

To read more about #CadmiumConcerns, click here.

What about Stainless Steel?

Stainless Steel is primarily composed of chromium, nickel, and iron.  Iron in stainless is usually in the 750,000 to 850,000 ppm range. Chromium in stainless is usually in the 120,000 to 182,000 ppm range. Nickel can range from zero to 82,000 ppm.  Some of the Ikea stainless that I have tested this year (2017) has been nickel free (for those who have concerns about nickel.) I personally do not have concerns about nickel (bound in stainless steel) for my family.

Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions.

Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama

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