Vintage Pyrex Spring Blossom Green Cups: The dark green/almost black paint on these mugs tested positive for the following elements at the following levels (with a one-minute test, using an XRF instrument):
Lead (Pb): 39,300 +/- 1,600 ppm
Cadmium (Cd): 833 +/- 61 ppm
Arsenic (As): ND
Mercury (Hg): ND
Platinum (Pt): 1,017 +/- 264 ppm
Gold (Au): 492 +/- 273 ppm
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: When well used, these vintage Pyrex pieces will also usually 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 functional vintage Pyrex pieces (or any vintage mugs or glasses) in your home, I would highly recommend that.
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Here is a link to a post on my site with lead-free modern mugs: https://tamararubin.com/2016/12/mugs/
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