Introduction (for those new to this website):
Tamara Rubin is a Federal award-winning independent advocate for consumer goods safety and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children, her sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005. Since 2009 Tamara has been using XRF testing (a scientific method used by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals), including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic. All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable. Items are tested multiple times, to confirm the test results for each component tested. Tamara’s work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine in February of 2023.
UPDATED: Sunday – January 17, 2021
Due to the enormous backlog of testing that I have to catch up on (most of which are reporting on items I tested long ago), I am not accepting boxes of items at this time.
A handful of readers are regular subscribers making a monthly gift in support of this work and I will still be honoring my commitment to test things for those people. Still, I am not taking on any new subscribers until my backlog (some of which goes back two years) is caught up.
On a rare occasion, I may invite a reader to send in a single item for testing, because it is a good example of something I do not yet have on the website and I think my readers (as a whole) would benefit from the information that could be provided by testing that item.
If you think you have an item that fits the above criteria:
- Please first watch this video and search for it on the site using several criteria to ensure I have not yet tested the item, LINK.
- If you still don’t find the item on the site and think I might like to test it, click here for details/instructions.
Thanks for being here! Thank you for reading and sharing this work with your communities.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Soil Testing Using an XRF?
Hi – I live in the Woodstock neighborhood and after many years of health issues in our house I am researching how to see if this house/property is contributing to our ill health.
Are you planning on soil testing in the near future?
Thanks so much,
Nicki
Hello! I’m having the hardest time trying to find a safe glass water dispenser (the 1-2 gallon type). Any chance you could recommend a brand that you’ve tested? Thank you!
Hi. Have you ever tested any super automatic espresso machines? It comes from Germany or Switzerland. It’s a Jura capresso c1000. It has a cast aluminum water heater. Also many other parts. I’m in Redmond, Washington.
Hi Lisa!!!
You are Lynn’s friend 🙂 I saw your comment on Facebook.
I have tested some espresso machines but they are very difficult to test because of how they are assembled and I have never disassembled one for testing (because I might have to break it to test it thoroughly.)
There have been some studies of coffee machines (like the ones used by Starbucks) showing that right after cleaning (after scale and other junk that has built up is cleaned off) the Lead levels in the coffee produced by these machines is higher. This is most likely because there are high Lead brass components in the interior workings of the machine and those components become fully exposed with cleaning – contributing to more leaching (similar to what happened with the water in flint – where the scale and build up from the inside of the pipes was – in essence – “cleaned off”, exposing the Lead of the pipes and causing more Lead to leach into the drinking water.
In addition to the concern for Leaded brass components cast aluminum often has high levels of Lead as a contaminant (usually in the 1000 to 2000 ppm range.) You can see some examples of that here:
!) https://tamararubin.com/2018/06/pre-2015-oxo-ice-cream-scoop-with-rubber-handle-1481-ppm-lead/
2) https://tamararubin.com/2018/12/bare-metal-garlic-press-2685-ppm-lead-33-ppm-cadmium-is-it-a-problem-that-my-garlic-press-is-positive-for-lead/
3) https://tamararubin.com/2019/01/bare-metal-patron-tequila-hand-juicer-citrus-press-853-ppm-lead/
Thank you for commenting!
I do come up to Washington periodically for home consultations if that is something you might be interested in (or a testing party with a bunch of friends!) I have information about my rates on this link here: https://tamararubin.com/2018/02/lead-safe-mamas-healthy-home-consultations-outreach-events-speaking-engagements-rates/
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
Thank you for your dedication and sharing your most important work!
I’ve paged through your super pictures of pieces to avoid, but have not seen the 1950’s-1960’s Currier and Ives Blue Willow / Grist Mill plates and saucers listed. They are glazed with the pattern under the glaze- nothing on top of the glaze. Do you know if these are acceptable or not? They were my mother’s, but I will not use them if there is a chance of lead contamination. Thank you very much! Sincerely, Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for commenting! All of the Blue Willow I have tested (except brand new pieces) have been positive for high levels of Lead. Especially given it is that old (1950s) I expect it will be in the 20,000 to 40,000 ppm range (possibly higher) as many pieces from that era are.
Tamara
I would love it if you could test the dollar stores Royal Norfolk Ceramic White Beaded Side Plates!
HI, my friends just told me about your site. thanks for your work.
you mentioned some of the Lenox patterns, but I haven’t seen you mentioned anything about the
Lenox, Midnight Blossoms pattern . this is our daily chinaware that we use daily – salad plates, bowls, dinner plates, etc.. Made in USA, says, freezer to Oven to Table, Microwave safe.
is this lead free?
thanks!
Thanks for all your work. Your site is very helpful! Have you ever tested Denby products or researched them? What is your opinion of Denby products? I invested in a set b/c I felt it would be safer than other, cheaper alternatives.
Hi Nancy,
I don’t seem to have any Denby up on the blog right now – I will see about looking through my archives when I have a moment. In the meantime here’s how to send something in for testing: https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/tamara-can-i-send-you-one-of-my-dishes-to-test-for-lead/
Tamara
I have a Princess House 8″ Diameter Crystal Bowl. There is a sticker: 24% Bleikristall, Bavaria Germany. Does this mean 24% LEAD crystal? Difficulty in posting photo. Is the above enough information? I probably purchased the item mid-80s. If has lead, what to do with it? Use as decoration and not for food? Also have beautiful tall lead crystal vases. Would bowl and vases be emitting lead (gas) into my home?
Hi Tamara,
You mention going to a lab in order to get a report – but all labs I email are telling me they don’t test for consumers, but for businesses instead. Which labs would you recommend? I am in the same geographical area as you.
Hi Tamara,
I recently came across your website and would like to thank you for your work.
And also let you know the actual name of a pattern that you have already listed/tested, & it appears as follows:
“Vintage Johnson Bros. Mug: 50,600 ppm Lead. 90 ppm”
This mug’s pattern name is
“Hearts and Flowers”.
I was horrified to see the lead content as my family (including my new little grandbabies) have been eating from these dishes for over 35 -which unfortunately are heavily decorated on the food side of all plates & bowls.
I would appreciate it if you could please add the pattern name to your information so that others could more readily locate it.
Thanks again for your work & God bless you 🙂
Thank you for this! I will update that post as soon as I have a moment!
*over 35 years
Hi,
Have you tested any watercolor paintbrushes? I was going to buy some from hobby lobby, but now I am worried about them having lead. I also bought some food container jars recently and am worried they might have lead. https://www.amazon.com/Estilo-Piece-Glass-Canisters-Stainless/dp/B01K556Z1C/ref=pd_ybh_a_105?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BBKDA74W596FAA21T6XT Is it an item you have tested?
Thank you so much for your website and what you are doing!!!
Hi Tamara,
I am wondering if you have anything to say on the accumulation of lead in our brains over the course of a lifetime? I have been trying to find evidence of heavy metal toxicity and it’s accumulation in the brain to support my feeling that heavy metals can cause Young Onset Dementia. I know your articles/films relate to the effects of lead on children, but have you looked at the other end of the spectrum? the Alzheimer’s Society will confirm that they have found aluminum in the deceased brains of Dementia patients, but I believe the levels of other heavy metals can and will accumulate in the brain. I also believe that the government is not owning up to knowledge of brain toxicity because it would affect too many different industries. Your thoughts?
Hi Rose – my documentary film addresses symptoms in adults as well. Here’s a symptom overview post with lots of links too:
https://tamararubin.com/2019/12/what-are-the-symptoms-of-lead-poisoning-in-adults-in-children/
Early onset Alzheimer’s has been correlated with Lead exposure for sure.
Tamara
I wonder if that’s the real reason people say a disease is hereditary. Hum? Perhaps recoring diseases in families is due to dish/kitchen ware and other chachkey stuff that is handed down through generations. I inherited this beautiful China from my grandmother, unfortunately I also inherited her illnesses. Hum?
Interesting point!
Hi Tamara,
I have also read that studies have also linked heavy metals and lead in particular to Parkinson’s disease as well as kidney damage. I have PD in my family so I am grateful for your work and that I found your site. I’ve rid myself of the beloved vintage ware and glass even. Just bought 99 cent store Norfolk for now and some new Duralex. It’s all so incredibly plain but lead free tastes so great and peace of mind is priceless!
Thank you so much for commenting!
T
Hi Tamara, I know that you aren’t currently accepting stuff. I just thought you might be interested in this. I recently purchased a stainless steel olive oil canister made by “Ilsa” Being newly “lead woke” alarm bells went off for me when I saw that it appeared to be soldered rather than welded. I tested it with a 3M lead check swab and sure enough it turned red (also purple- which if I understand correctly is due to tin mixed in the stainless steel?). I doubted myself, so I looked into it more. I contacted 3M about the possibility of false positives and they assured me that it doesn’t happen. I then cleaned the entire canister with a clorox wipe, then washed it with soap and water and tested it again with a different swab from a different pack- it was red again. I contacted the store that I had purchased it from and they claim that they are going to look into it. They refunded me, but didn’t make me send the canister back. Would you be interested in my sending it to you so you could test it and add it to the Museum of Lead? I’ll hold on to it (out of reach of my kids) for a little while and see if you respond. Thank you so much for all of the work you do! You are valued so much by all of us parent warriors trying to keep our kids safe!
Have you tested any of the Queen’s Churchill brand dishes – I could not find info under that brand or under England …?
What about other dishes from Target. I bought some Christmas dishes maybe 15-20 years ago with a Christmas Tree pattern on them ? It says FURIO on the back of the plates and has an imprint that says La Primula MADE IN ITALY. I have noticed the Italian dishes you HAVE tested were positive for high levels of lead.
Thanks for all your work!
Phish fan since 1998 Jersey boy at heart now living in south Florida I have many electrolux hoses and canisters at my parents house in NJ. Tom marshall knows me from MSG i met both treys parents & air hugged fishman outside the four seasons downtown Denver after dicks. It’s an honor to contribute to your study and utilize the resources my dad accumulated selling vacuums part time. Feel free to contact me anytime I want to help
Brian
Hi Tamara, I have been searching your site for any mention of the ceramic inserts for the crock pots and slow cookers. I have two older ones and a newer one. Have you tested any of these items and I just can’t find it?
Thank you for your dedication to helping people and keeping us informed.
Thank you so much for your work Tamara, it’s a blessing.
I know you love the plain Corelle dishes. I wonder if you have tried their white mugs? I wanted to buy some for my mother as she is adamant in using porcelain instead of glass.
https://www.corelle.com/product/pure-white-12-ounce-mug
Hello. Would you consider testing a Romertopf clay dish some day. Would love to know about risks. I can’t send because I not in the US. Maybe some of your readers own and would have the same question ? Thanks a lot for your great work. All the best
Thank you! For those who want to send something to me for testing – here’s how that works:
https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/tamara-can-i-send-you-one-of-my-dishes-to-test-for-lead/
Tamara
I need to find a non toxic laundry room sink to wash my babies in.
Curious how you feel about this one?
https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/trinity-215-l-x-24-w-free-standing-laundry-sink-with-faucet-tty1204.html
Thank you for all of the information you provide!!
That looks like a good choice from a Lead-perspective at least!
T
Hi Tamara 🙂 I have a large plain white bottom Oven safe corningware with a clear glass lid. No designs or paintings on it. Do you think it’s toxic? It was a gift back in 1994.
Likely Lead-free in the white glass (pyrocem) main component of the dish.
T
Hi Tamara! Thank you so much for all the wonderful work that you do. I have searched many kitchen items on your website and found a few that I use in my kitchen and they are not lead safe. I will be changing them as soon as I can. Have you ever tested the Project 62 Avesta Dinnerware from Target? I couldn’t find any information about it on your website.
Hi – no that doesn’t sound familiar. Here’s how to send a single dish in for testing: https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/tamara-can-i-send-you-one-of-my-dishes-to-test-for-lead/
T
I have followed your link to purchase safe stainless steel attachments for Kitchen Aid- but they are $100.00!! I though your social media post said that Kitchen Aid sent replacements to people…is there a template letter that we can use?
Thank you!
Tamara – thank you for all you do for us who are also concerned about lead in our old dishes. I have a very popular dish set from the 1950’s by Russel Wright, manufactured by Steubenville Pottery in Steubenville Ohio, called American Modern. I have the chartreuse, sea foam and granite colors and wondered if you have tested any of these dishes. I have searched your site but have not found any info on these. Asking on the facebook group of Russel Wright I got many angry answers and some were adamant that there were no lead glazes used. But, they could not offer any evidence. So hopefully you might have an answer for me. Thank you in advance.