This vintage Pyrex food storage container (which I bought on eBay for my book and my #MuseumOfLead collection) was positive for lead at some of the highest levels I have ever found.
It’s super interesting to note how the red is fairly solid with few blemishes and little wear, much like it would have been when new.
I have posted other examples of this very same dish (in different colors) that clearly show how the paint wears over time. And where does that lead paint end up? In your kitchen environment? In your sink? In your dishwasher?
No one has studied the impact of this sort of source of lead, so there is not an answer to that. As a result, I subscribe to the #FirstDoNoHarm principle and also #BetterSafeThanSorry, and I do not have any leaded vintage Pyrex pieces in my home. [The clear-glass vintage Pyrex pieces are often lead-free.]
The XRF readings for this piece came in as the following levels:
Milk Glass (the white part):
- Lead (Pb): 1212 +/- 70 ppm,
- Cadmium (Cd): 26 +/- 11 ppm.
The red painted part (tested from the outside):
- Lead (Pb): 310,900 +/- 30K ppm
- Arsenic (As): 14,200 +/- 2,200 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 33,200 +/- 3,300 ppm
Again, for context – the amount of lead that is considered toxic in an item manufactured for use by children is 90 ppm lead and higher in the glaze/paint/coating. There is no standard limiting the XRF detectable amount of lead in cookware, and this especially applies to vintage cookware pieces. That said I consider anything under 90 ppm “Lead Safe” and anything over 90 ppm lead a problem.
310,000 ppm lead is a DEFINITE problem, especially for a functional piece meant to be used for food preparation and storage.
As always, if you have any questions please let me know!
Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
wow!
Well, this is disappointing. I have that exact red one and also a larger blue one. How about pyrex bowls? I have a large yellow one, part of a set of several different ones. Sentimental to me.
They are pretty much all high lead. Click through this link to see more that I have tested: https://tamararubin.com/category/leaded-pyrex/
Hi
Does anyone know if there’s lead in the casserole corningware from the ‘70?
Thx
Gail
Generally in the decorative patterns, yes. Look up “corningware” here on my site using the searchbar.
Tears…these are my favorites. Do you know if the lids have lead as well?
Hi Cheryl!
The clear lids? Hmmm – I have tested some of the clear vintage Pyrex and it has been positive, but I don’t recall if I specifically separately tested this lid. Here is an example: https://tamararubin.com/2019/01/made-in-usa-vintage-pyrex-clear-glass-double-boiler-cooking-pot-216-ppm-lead/
Tamara
Tamara
I have a whole set of red ones and turquoise ones that I inherited from my grandmother. I assume that I can not longer use them. I hate it because 3 generations have cherished them. How do you dispose of them?
What about the pink and white mixing bowl sets?
Hi Martha, the pink and white ones are also positive. Any of the vintage ones with painted decorations or painted solid colors on the outside are positive for high levels of lead. Here’s what I share with people who ask about what to do with them:https://tamararubin.com/2013/11/what-should-i-do-with-my-lead-contaminated-dishes-to-toss-or-not-to-toss/
Thanks for reading and thank you for commenting!
Tamara
First off, thanks for all your research!!
Second, do you still have the lid? Would it be possible to test it? I’ve been thinking about using the vintage lids with current dishes (no one seems to make stackable glass lids anymore ♀️). If not, if I sent one to you, would you be willing to test it? Thanks!
My mother still has her plate setting for eight that is white with the blue flowers. I was going to pass them on to me and I wanted to have and use them. Like she gave me her Pyrex stacking bowl from when they got married 56 years ago
Hi, Tamara! Could you please recommend Food storage container, if possible with the links. I’m too picky and can’t decide which one to buy. I have searched in your website, but, unfortunately, didn’t find the suggestions( Thank you for your tremendous work!:))))
Did you test the clear glass lids on these little Pyrex storage containers. Thanks. M