#LeadFree
New 2017 BluesBand, Hohner International Harmonica.
Tested with an XRF instrument.
Most of the components of this instrument are free of heavy metals, however, the small bronze/ yellow colored square elements with scalloped edges (see close up photo above) had the following readings when tested with an XRF instrument:
- Lead (Pb): Negative/ Non-Detect
- Mercury (Hg): 455 +/- 118 ppm
- Arsenic (As): 146 +/- 29 ppm.
The metal with these toxicants appears to be the same metal sandwiched between the otherwise heavy metal-free elements of the harmonica, but it is too difficult to test it with an XRF instrument without disassembling the harmonica.
I have tested other harmonicas and found similar results. The metal components that were positive for mercury and arsenic do not appear to touch your mouth when you play the harmonica, but I stopped letting my children play with this harmonica (on principle / just in case) and am still looking for one that is not positive for any heavy metals.
Here is this exact product on Amazon.*
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Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
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Have you tested any other Hohner harmonicas? Were they all lead free? We have one about 10 years old that my toddler put into her just mouth once. Unfortunately she put the side part in her mouth. Just my luck. Is once enough to cause any serious issues if it does contain these heavy metals? I’d be happy to mail you mine for testing. These things have me so worried!
Would you guess a 2011 version would have the same levels?
Have you tested harmonicas made for kids? such as by Haba or Hape or DJECO? My son wants one and I of course want to be sure it’s safe as its on his mouth. that you for all your testing