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Published: December 23, 20217
Updated: March 1, 2024
Question: Tamara are there any modern clear glass dishes that are also Lead-free?
Answer: Yes! While vintage glassware is often positive for Lead, and even some new clear glass products can test positive for trace* amounts of Lead, there are several brands of clear glass dishware I have tested that have been consistently negative for Lead (not even a trace of Lead down to the single digit parts per million when tested with an XRF instrument).
My main tips for purchasing modern glassware that is likely to be Lead-free:
- Make sure it is absolutely clear — not even a hint of tint (especially the clear light green or blue tint that is often found in recycled glass items).
- Avoid recycled glass items if you want to avoid Lead.
- Despite its environmentally-virtuous appeal, dishware (or anything) made from recycled glass is, for obvious reasons when you stop to think about it, often positive for at least trace* amounts of Lead (regardless of the tint or color or lack thereof) and sometimes at levels that are considerably higher than “trace.”*
*By trace I mean that it is a (generally lower levels) contaminant to the product as a result of the manufacturing process, not a (generally much higher levels) intentional additive. The companies that make most of these products are not intentionally adding Lead to their recycled glass products.
*By trace I mean that it is a (generally lower levels) contaminant to the product as a result of the manufacturing process, not a (generally much higher levels) intentional additive. The companies that make most of these products are not intentionally adding Lead to their recycled glass products.Safer Choices:
Below are Amazon Affiliate links to products from the three brands that I would consider #SaferChoices when purchasing new/ modern glassware. To reiterate, all of the modern versions of clear glass plates from the following brands I have tested have been Lead-free (each of the links below is to a product from this brand on Amazon – prices are as of the date posted and may change):
- Libbey – this is a set of soup/cereal bowls I bought for my family (2/21/2024 – $45.98 for a set of 12)
- Libbey – set of square 8-inch salad plates (2/21/2024 – $60 for a set of 12)
- Libbey – set of textured salad plates (2/21/2024 – $39.99 for a set of 12)
- Anchor Hocking – glass dinner plates (2/29/2024 – $45.00 for a set of 12)
- Duralex – deep dish 8-inch plates (3/1/2024 – $52.05 for a set of 6)
For more Lead-safe/ Lead-free dishware options, click here.
Thank you for reading and for sharing this work.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Some of the links on this page may be Amazon Affiliate links where a purchase made after clicking may generate a small commission for Lead Safe Mama, LLC without costing you any extra!
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.
- Items that Lead Safe Mama, LLC reports on are tested multiple times to confirm the results published (for each component tested).
- Recent Notable Press: Tamara’s work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine in February 2023 (March 2023 print edition) and The Guardian in November 2023.
I just came across your website this week and I’m greatly appreciative of all you’re doing! I was very interested in these duralex products after seeing them here but in researching them further I read that they may contain barium oxide. As I understand it barium oxide can also be harmful to health. I’m planning to try to confirm this with the company.
Any feedback from the company?
LD, I haven’t heard back from them yet. I did notice that on one of Tamara’s posts she said that one of their cups showed no barium in the xrf testing but that I saw she only noted that in one set of cups & not on any of the other Duralex products she tested…so we’re they all barium free or did the bulk of them contain some level of it? I’m not sure. I’ll let you know if I hear back from duralex…
I think some may have had barium, but that’s not something I usually track. I will keep an eye out for more to test!
Thanks, Tamara!
I heard back from Duralex! They say no barium! They sent me a few documents regarding their glass composition even. Here’s what they say is in their glassware:
Silicon dioxide 69-74%
Aluminum oxide 1-2%
Sodium oxide + potassium oxide 11-16%
Calcium oxide + magnesium oxide 10.5-14.5%
Given the amount of info they were willing to share I’ll be ordering some of their mugs to test out!
Hi Kayleigh
Did they tell you which items were barium free? They wouldn’t disclose their composition to me as said it was confidential. I also was told they were barium free then I emailed again and was told they are either free of barium or contain small amounts. I saw Tamara’s testing for cosy mugs did have Barium…If you see this message l I would be interested to see the documents you received if you still had them?
Tamara,
Are the Lauryn Janae glass bowls safe from lead as well? Purchased these, never heard of lead in glass except painted/glazed or lead crystal~
Lauryn Janae Premium 6.5″ inch Classic Stackable Nested Clear Glass Tablesetter, Serving, Baking, Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)
Similar I believe:
https://www.amazon.ca/Lauryn-Janae-Premium-Stackable-Tablesetter/dp/B01E0YS7GK
I have not tested this brand, but clear glass (with no markings) is generally a good choice.
Thanks, what about dollar general glassware, glasses and glass plates that are clear glass?
Thanks!
Those are generally fine [lead-free, lead-safe], as long as they are clear glass and not being sold and marketed as “leaded crystal”,
Are my old Pryex and anchor hocking glass measuring cups lead free. They are scratched and worn. My mother’s 1940’s clear glass dishes are scratched too. Should i stop using them?
Yes, you should stop using vintage Pyrex, the paint is often highly leaded, Tamara talks about that more in depth here:
https://tamararubin.com/2021/12/please-stop-using-vintage-pyrex-glassware-for-cooking-serving-food-its-often-painted-with-high-lead-paint-can-test-positive-for-cadmium-and-arsenic-too/
I would also advise looking up your items individually on the website in the search tool because she has tested a daunting number of vintage kitchen items and it’s possible items in your kitchen have results posted on the site.
And Pyrex? I am sorry if this has been answered before!
Some of these articles are pretty fun to read but to answer your question, Pyrex has a history everyone should know about:
https://tamararubin.com/?s=vintage+pyrex
Hi Tamara. Thank you so much for exposing the lead issue. I noticed libbey was on the list of glassware that does not contain lead, however, in doing some research I found out that libbey’s glass can contain up to 50 percent recycled glass. You also said to avoid recycled glass. I was curious how many libbey products you have tested that are newer, like plates off of Amazon, or glasses? Thanks!
I have probably tested multiple dozens of new Libbey clear glass products and found them to be lead-free. To be extra sure you should avoid the ones that are tinted in any way. I have tested ones from Walmart (on the shelves) and elsewhere.
Are duralex green and blue glass dishes lead free.
Is Ocean glass drinkware lead free? It is made in Thailand.
I also saw at Walmart the Anchor Hocking Presence clear glass dishes also had 100% recycled glass. It was stated on their pack of 12 on the back of their box. I wasnt sure if I should buy it. I know Tamara mentioned to avoid recycled glass.
That’s a hard call. I haven’t tested enough of their recycled glass products to say one way or the other, but most of their new stuff has been completely lead-free.
I have two Aladdin recycled glass tumblers that say Made in Spain. They both have a green tint. Any way to know if these are lead free?
Hi Joanna,
Thanks for commenting. Please watch this video about searching the blog and then look for similar products using the tips there. There are a few examples under “green glass”, “recycled glass” and “made in Spain” that might guide your direction:
https://tamararubin.com/2020/12/how-to-use-the-lead-safe-mama-website-video/
Tamara
I just went to buy these glass dishes because I thought Tamara stated they were on the safe list. I rechecked my box after your statement and cannot find anything that states they are recycled. What I did see is that it states they are 100% RECYCLABLE. Could that be what you saw? Easy mistake if so.
Hi Tamara! So glad to have found your website, we are making a huge transition to a more organic and toxic free lifestyle and want to know if you have heard anything about the brand Luminarc? They sell glass stew pots but want to make sure of their safety before I make a big purchase. Thank you so much!
Do you have a link you can share with me? Luminarc in general (their clear glass products) are lead-free.
I have a clear glass Luminarc pitcher Model #09549, “Cardinal Pitcher, 64 oz., 11-1/4″H, with ice lip – It is listed as Luminarc, Arcoroc, and Imperator. My pitcher has “France 17” stamped on the handle. It looks just like the one in this link: https://www.restaurantequipmentsolutions.com/CARD-09549.htm. I have been trying to figure out if it contains lead or not and would appreciate your opinion. Also, I had some glass tops made for a desk and chest of drawers. The glass tops 1/4″ thick, and the glass has a green tint. Does the green tint indicate that the glass has lead in it? Thank you so-o much for your help!
Tamara please tell me where and how to order lead test swabs for dishes and mugs
Thanks!
There are some cool videos in the LeadSafeMama YouTube channel now where she tries out these new tests:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwI7q2qqUF4
There’s also an affiliate link for them here if you would like to try them:
https://tamararubin.com/2023/11/incredibly-interesting-article-about-a-new-glowing-lead-testing-product/
Hi Tamara,
Luminarc is in fact an interesting alternative to the crock/slow/instant cookers. https://www.luminarc.com/en/designers-collections/blooming/
Will see if I can find more info about them!
Hi Irina!
Interesting. I don’t recall ever testing new products in this style from this brand (at least not casserole style products.)
I believe I have only tested their drinking glasses.
Tamara
Tamara, do you now know if the usual brands you regard as safe use barium oxide?? Anchor Hocking, Pyrex, Libbey, and so on. *Bites fingernails*
Typically brown and yellow glasses are testing positive for Barium – not the clear. You can look up “Barium” using the search bar on my site and see several examples.
Tamara
Hello Tamara.
Have you ever tested libbery’s clear drinking glasses at big lot’s for lead free they also are stamped 5O % recyclable made in china .
Is Anchors hooking clear glass dish set lead free ?
What is a safe choice for kids plates? Would prefer other than glass for obvious reasons?
My kids broke a lot of glass until I bought Duralex glassware, I’m not saying it’s indestructible or anything but it stood up to two boys. This stainless steel option is kinda awesome though (sometimes things actually do need to be indestructible). Hope this helps:
https://tamararubin.com/2019/06/caveman-cups-extreme-use-stainless-steel-cub-plates-safe-non-detect-for-lead-cadmium-mercury-arsenic/
I’ve read many of your posts but not sure if I missed reports on clear Pyrex or Corningware with and without designs ? Thanks for informing us!
Hi Deborah,
Here are all of the posts I have up right now that are tagged “Clear Glass”, There are 42 posts in that category that you can scroll through: https://tamararubin.com/category/clear-glass/
Tamara
Hi,
I’m looking for salt shakers and found Anchor Hocking swirl glass, made in the USA, and as Anchor Hocking states their glass is lead free, I thought they would be fine. I first saw them on Amazon, and then when I Googled the item, I saw they had a Prop 65 Warning. Can you recommend a safe salt shaker?
Joan
Hi Joan!
I would stick with clear glass with stainless steel lids. These (or something similar) might be a good choice (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2KlQt6e
I like to get things like this at a restaurant supply store.
Tamara
I called Anchor Hocking after seeing a website with Prop 65 associated with some of the AH products. AH said it was wrong, that none of their glassware products are Prop 65. In fact, I note that AH had that notation removed on the particular site to which I referred.
Thank you so much, Tamara. Would Made in China be OK?
Hi Joan – yes. If you don’t mind the greater environmental implications of things being shipped from afar – “Made in China” is generally fine (doesn’t raise any red flags specifically when it comes to toxicant concerns.) In fact a lot of stuff that is “Made in China” is better than stuff made elsewhere because it is more strictly policed and regulated (upon import) than stuff made elsewhere.
Tamara
Thank you, Tamara. I appreciate your advice very much.
Tamara,
Hi, I didnt see what I was looking for at your store, 1 Gallon Clear Glass Pistol Grip Jugs
https://www.amazon.com/shop/auntietammys
I did find these though, do you think they would be safe & lead free Tamara?
https://glassbottleoutlet.com/products/1-gallon-clear-glass-pistol-grip-jug-with-black-cap-38-400
https://www.bottlestore.com/1-gallon-flint-pistol-grip-round-glass-jug-38-405-neck.html
I have some blue-tinted glass mixing bowls made by Anchor that I bought around 2000-2002. Since Anchor seems to be one of your favored brands, is even their tinted glass presumably safe?
Hi Tamara,
Have you done any testing on the Simax brand glass bakeware ?
Do you know if the clear pink Anchor Hocking glass square dishes are ok? They’re around 8×8 and square and I got them a year or so ago at Target.
Hey! Thx so much for your info! I bought the duralex (made in France stamped on the borne) dishes at a yard sale. I have no idea their age, they are identical to what is in your amazon link. Do you think they are safe not knowing their actual age?
Tamara, You need to do a little more research on lead free glassware before stating that a brand is lead free Simply testing one item from a brand doesn’t not make all of their products lead free. Each item needs to be researched to be sure. I’ve found that if the product page doesn’t state the product as Lead-free it is usually not lead free. I’ve been researching for some time now and have found that there are very few lead free glass ware products on the market.
Hi Kate,
I test hundreds of of products from a brand before making any assertion that their products are likely to be Lead-Safe or Lead-free.
T
Hi Tamara, Thank you so much for the work you are doing! I’m wondering if you’ve tested Targets Made By Design Glass dinnerware? It’s a tempered white glass made in France. It’s supposed to be similar to Corelle, but more affordable. Any info you have would be appreciated!
Btw, here is a link to the dinnerware I was wondering about. Thanks so Much! https://www.target.com/p/glass-18pc-dinnerware-set-white—made-by-design–153-/-/A-53142653
I believe these are what you were looking for?
https://tamararubin.com/2020/06/target-made-by-design-white-glass-salad-plates-lead-free-cadmium-free-arsenic-free-antimony-free-mercury-free/
Hi Tamara,
I know this is a very late response to this post but I seem to have clicked on enough buttons to land here tonight!! Reading all this info and responses has me wondering if all of the brown and blue glass bottles that supplements are sold in may contain lead or other metals. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thank you!
Tamara, I have purchased several “clear” glass plates on Amazon from Duralex, Libbey, and Anchor Hocking and EVERY single one of them has a blue/green tint, albeit very slightly. I am seriously about to rip my hair out trying to find a CLEAR glass set of plates and bowls! I just don’t care for the Corelle White Dishes. Do you know, or have you tested, any of those plates and know for sure they are lead-free? If so, could you please post a link below my question?
Thanks so much, in advance! Also, I live in the Chicagoland area and would love to “crash” on of your group parties here in April 2020. Is there a way I can pay to join a group that is already on the calendar? Or do I need to start my own group?
Hi Nickie,
I will follow up with you about Chicago in an email!
Regarding the dishes – if they are recently purchased (past 5 years) clear glass from any of those brands you mentioned I would expect that they are lead-free even if they have a slight tint. I hope that helps!
Tamara
Hi, are dollar tree clear glass dinnerware and mugs safe? Could you test these please? Thanks! Im looking to buy these for my 8 yrs old adhd and behavioral disability child.
Hi Bettina!
If they are clear glass with no decorations (from the Dollar Tree stores) they are likely non-toxic. Dollar Tree stores have had some issues with Cadmium in some of their painted decorations – but not all. Here’s an example: https://tamararubin.com/2018/11/2018-dollar-tree-store-christmas-wine-glass-by-greenbrier-international-1299-ppm-cadmium/
Thank you for commenting! And thank you for keeping your kiddo safe!
Tamara
Have you ever tested Fortecrisa Mexico dishes? They are purple glass. I think they were made in the 1980s. Thank you!
Hi Amanda – thanks for commenting. No I don’t believe I have tested those. Do they have a maker’s mark on them? I will keep an eye out for them. If you wanted 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
Hi, I’m about to get a new set of duralex, but the ones that are blue or light blue (plates etc) could you confirm please if everything from duralex is lead free and all the other metals and toxic stuff? Thanks a lot!
Hello, I am now just learning all about lead in glasses and it is very disturbing. I have taken note of all of you suggestions regarding glass plates, mugs, and drinking glasses. I am just curious that if you are staring an item is lead free then can I assume that it is also Cadmium free. I am referring to either the libbey or anchor plates, glasses and mugs. I have also read that ball mason jars are also lead free can I also assume that they are cadmium free as well?
Hi Tamara,
Pls should get a chance, see if you have any information on “white, tempered-glass” dinnerware. Just as “Yvonne” asked on October 30, 2019.
Thanks,
Hi Tamara.
I am so glad to come by your page.I had just ordered the vita clay slow cooker after reading somewhere that its 99.99% toxins free and then I saw your website.
Have you heard of the Dum Biriyani Pot Earthen cookware?
Thank you for you do.
Hi Julia – oh yeah Vita Clay makes my blood boil – that is such extreme false advertising. I am glad you found my post. I am not familiar with the other brand you mention. Sorry about that.
Tamara
I just bought a Luminarc glass steamer set. I was certain it was made in France from what was said, but when it arrived it has Chinese writing on the box. The steamer part is clear, but the base and lid are tinted a brownish gold color. I’m concerned about contaminants. Should I return it?
Hi Tamara, update. I did some searching and the entire product does appear to be made in France. Second part of my question still stands, is the amber base/pot safe? How do I test it?
I apologize if this has already been answered! I was wondering about Ikea glassware. They have dishes that are blue glass and they have clear glass dishes that have little designs on them as well. I bought a few and now I am wondering if they are safe to use! Thank you!
Thank you for testing! It costs like 60$ for one sample to test lead in lab and yet it destroys the plate… Since i couldn’t find any home lead test kits with enough sensitivty! I will try to look yet for some… And XRF analyzer cost 30k $ LUL! What about cadmium also. Are borosilicate and silicate or tempered glass plates safe for all other possible contaminants also? What are healthiest plates? Libbey looks OK i guess! And all manufacturers have to only obey insufficient limits set by regulations and even California 65 has to discloses only if it contains under 100ppm… And they safeguard this information and have no third party certificates for assurance of quality… Unfortunately because ppl are sheeps and don’t care about these issues and about their health and were easily brainwashed by marketing, ppl are so stupid all they care is they see discount – it is really absurd!
PS: so what plates had down to 1ppm of lead? And what about cadmium or all other unhealthy substances? What are most healthy plates one can buy?
Thanks!
Hi Tamara, I have clear glass plates and bowls from Libbey that are decades old (passed down from parents). Are they generally safe? Thanks! What about clear Anchor Hocking glassware that are similarly old? Are their red silicone covers safe as well?
Don’t get this, why Libbey has prop 65 warning, if it had lead under 100ppm, there should be no need to give one, but after 100ppm, i thought it has to be disclosed amounts of lead there. I Am confused now https://www.lionsdeal.com/lg-1788489.html This stressed me so much i can’t even think… Duralex, anchor hocking, libbey i got no answer from manufacturer about dimensions and they seem to big to my dishwaster 🙁 It is impossible to be sure, unless it is tested with XRF and i saw no consumer tests of this, no one cares, normal ppl understimate these issues so much… I also live in small country in eu, it is hard to get them…
I just recently purchased Libbey Moderno clear dishware at our local Dollar Tree store. When I got them home I noticed they had a grayish tinge to them. The bottom of the plate is embossed, “Made in Mexico”. I checked online and Crate & Barrel has the same exact set for double the price. These are Libbey Crisa Moderno dishware made in the Libbey Crisa plant in Mexico. On some of the online sites there is a Proposition 65 warning on these as well! I’m now totally confused because they’re advertised as lead free! Could there be something else that would warrant a Prop 65 warning?
Oh also what about “Noble China” material, is that lead free?
Have you tested any pieces from the mikasa swirl collection? I have a set I received around 2017/2018 when I got married. If you haven’t tested this collection yet, I would love to send you a piece to test.
Hi Tamara,
Have you ever tested any vintage Libbey glasses?
I read something about two kinds of recycled glass. One kind uses glass products that they made from new but were defective, so they recycled those. So these should be as safe as non-recycled. I think it will say somewhere. But recyled glass from unknown sources (like what you put in your recycle bin) would not be desirable. I wish I had the source.