For those new to the Lead Safe Mama website:
Tamara Rubin is a multiple-federal-award-winning independent advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety, and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children (two of her sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005).
- Tamara owns and runs Lead Safe Mama, LLC — a community collaborative woman-owned small business for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety.
- Since 2009, Tamara has been using XRF technology (a scientific testing method) using the exact instrumentation employed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals — including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic).
- Since July of 2022, the work of Lead Safe Mama, LLC has been responsible for 5 product recalls (FDA and CPSC).
- All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable.
- Items that Lead Safe Mama, LLC reports on are tested multiple times to confirm the results published (for each component tested).
- Tamara’s work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine in February 2023 (March 2023 print edition) and The Guardian in November 2023.
“Corning USA” Vintage Christmas Holly Berry Mug
When tested with an XRF instrument, this cup was positive for high levels of both Lead and Cadmium.
The following set of readings was with the scope of the XRF instrument centered on the red berries of the pattern:
- Lead (Pb): 16,000 +/- 400 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 459 +/- 25 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 904 +/- 76 ppm
- Antimony (Sb): 514 +/- 34 ppm
- Selenium (Se): 70 +/- 30 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 4,343 +/- 172 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 456 +/- 140 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 1,169 +/- 338 ppm
Learn more about XRF testing here.
Please continue reading below to see additional test results and images.
The following set of readings was with the scope of the XRF instrument centered on the green leaves of the pattern:
- Lead (Pb): 28,200 +/- 700 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 367 +/- 25 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 987 +/- 91 ppm
- Antimony (Sb): 546 +/- 41 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 3,219 +/- 151 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 296 +/- 143 ppm
- Zirconium (Zr): 3,219 +/- 151 ppm
- Platinum (Pt): 375 +/- 133 ppm
- Cobalt (Co): 1,404 +/- 154 ppm
To see more “Corning” pieces we have tested, click here.
Please continue reading below to see additional test results and images.
Plain white glass of cup:
- Lead (Pb): ND
- Cadmium (Cd): 16 +/- 7 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 797 +/- 58 ppm
- Antimony (Sb): 521 +/- 28 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 5.275 +/- 194 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 638 +/- 144 ppm
Thank you for reading and sharing!
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
I’ve been collecting these cups for a while. I think i have 30.
We have a large family christmas party every year and i am in charge of coffee and tea, so these cups add to the festive feel. UGH!
I have always questioned the red color on any plates, cups, serve ware but thought in this day and age manufacturers would be watching out for their consumers. Unreal and disappointing.
On your readings, you show 2 sets of numbers Lead (Pb): 28,200 +/- 700 ppm. What is the negative number? A scientist I am not.
Thank you for your work.
Thank you for commenting. That is the margin of error for the test – so the range (in this case) is from 27,500 to 28,900 ppm Lead.
New Ones from the dollar tree store are going to be better but not free of Cadmium – unfortunately.
Here’s a good Lead-safe one:
https://tamararubin.com/2018/06/leadsafe-homer-laughlin-china-fiestaware-christmas-tree-mug-made-in-usa/
Tamara