This vintage “Horizon Blue” casserole by Pyrex tested positive for the following elements at the following levels (on the painted exterior design with a one-minute test, using an XRF instrument):
- Lead (Pb): 72,000 +/- 2,200 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 33 +/- 11 ppm
- Arsenic (As): ND
- Mercury (Hg): ND
- Gold: (Au) 504 +/- 170 ppm
- Platinum (Pt): 1,315 +/- 212 ppm
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The amount of lead that is considered toxic to children in a newly manufactured item intended specifically for use by children is anything 90 ppm and higher (in the coating.)
Vintage dishware is not regulated at all for “total lead content as detectable with an XRF” and neither is modern dishware (yet.) [Isn’t it interesting that it was positive for gold and platinum!] NOTE: These vintage Pyrex pieces will also test positive with a reactive agent test (like a LeadCheck swab: http://amzn.to/2DfE3ER affiliate link).
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Take away: if you can avoid having vintage Pyrex in your home, I would highly recommend that.
Here is a link to a post on my site with lead-free modern casserole dishes: https://tamararubin.com/2017/10/casseroles/
As always, thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
#LeadSafeMama
I do think the lead you are finding is in the paint, not in the bowl itself. Am I correct?
Hi Jane,
Per the post, the reported levels here are in the painted elements. However I often also find Lead (at much lower levels) in the plain white unpainted milk glass of these pieces.
Thank you for commenting.
Tamara
As a maker of pottery, and a collector of pyrex, my opinion is, the MAJORITY of heavy metals will be found in the PATTERNED areas of the dishes. Also, as previously stated, high acid foods will make the metals leach, i.e. tomatoes sauce, lemon, vinegars, pickles, etc. As a potter, we use food safe glazes on the inside , but the outside decorations are still debated amongst professionals, on whether high lead glazes can/should be used or not. It’s a personal choice.
NEXT, read up on Kelp. It is the “water softener/scrubber of the sea. Kelp collects up toxins & heavy metals in the GI track and Carrie’s them out into your toilet. Kelp works like a sponge to collect these toxins. It also helps in the regulation of bowels, thyroid functions and a myriad of other great qualities. You never know where your getting heavy metals, arsenic, cadmium, etc. So add kelp to your diet regularly, helps your body to clean it up, and “take the trash out”. Kelp is also high in minerals & microminerals most of us dont get. OH YA, I ALMOST FORGOT, kelp is the only naturally occurring plant know to clear up radioactive poisoning. So I keep 30lb in my food storage. 🙂 1/4 teaspoon daily or more.