When tested with an XRF instrument (for a 31 second test – as noted in the photo above) this blue-tinted Ball brand canning jar had the following readings:
- Lead (Pb): 53 +/- 13 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 13 +/- 6 ppm
You can read more about #CadmiumConcerns here.
Tamara’s Grade: “C”
C = I would not want to use it in my home, I would not want to eat food that you canned in it in your home. If you offered me something to drink in this (like tea or water) when I am visiting you, I would be fine with that. It is likely not leaching, but since lead-free jars can be found (especially for longer term storage like canning) I prefer to have the lead-free options in my home.
Some additional related reading:
- More Ball brand products that I have tested
- More canning jars that I have tested
- More blue glass items that I have tested
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As always, please let me know if you have any questions!
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Hi, Tamara! Thanks so much for the research that you do! I’m curious: do you know of anyone who’s tested the leaching potential of different uses of these jars? I just have a few blue ones and one clear. I never use them for canning or liquid storage, only for storing dry goods like nuts. I’m wondering if I should only use them for decoration or for non-food storage. I’m sure there is some powder ground off the rims when they’re opened or closed… Thanks again!
Sarah
I don’t know if they have been tested for long term storage of acidic canned items – that is my concern. I am sure the new ones have passed the current standards for leach testing, but I don’t know if that takes into account actual usage patterns for the products.
Hi, was the blue ball mason jar tested above a vintage jar or the new version on sale now? And if the new ones “passed current standards for leeching” what are the maximum level of allowed toxicants in the new blue ball mason jar case?
Hi there! Thank you for all the research you do. I was wondering if using these tinted jars as soap dispensers is safe? Thank you!