When tested with an XRF instrument, this vintage “Made in Japan” Santa mug was positive for Lead at the following levels:
- Outside Mug Lead (Pb) Level: 4,497 +/- 180 ppm
- Inside Mug Lead (Pb) Level: 5,077 +/- 177 ppm
Non-Detect (ND/ Negative) for:
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Arsenic (As)
- Mercury (Hg)
By modern standards, the amount of lead that is considered toxic in an item intended to be used by children is 90 ppm lead (or higher) in the glaze or coating and 100 ppm lead (or higher) in the substrate (in the case of mugs, the ceramic.)
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Thank you for publishing this. I will put a note in the cup as a warning. I use it as Christmas decor now, but I am certain I drank out of it as a child. Luckily, only infrequently and at Christmas time.