“How much Lead is in my vintage Pyrex?” Here are pictures of each one I’ve tested, with links to test results.
Check back here periodically for updates. Each time I add a new post I will upload a picture to the photo grid below, and link it to the post with the test results.
Click any of the images below to see the corresponding XRF test results (listing all metals found) for that exact item pictured.
If you appreciate this work and would like to see more test results like this, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe for my advocacy work: http://www.GoFundMe.com/LeadSafeMama.
I do take “requests” — as, here in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, I live near quite a few antiques & collectibles stores, and could easily go purchase something that you might want tested (for anyone that can make a contribution to cover the cost of the item and a bit towards the cost of testing); please e-mail me if you are interested in having me purchase something specific to test.
If you are interested participating in the “regularly-scheduled programming” of periodic consumer goods testing that I normally coordinate here on this site, here is a post with more information about how that generally works.
As always, thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
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Hi, when I do the LED swabs on my Pyrex everything is fine. There was one that I ended up not buying because it was not okay. So my question is, as long as your Pyrex is in good condition you probably safe… especially if you’ve tested it?
I know that you pick up lead with your handheld scanner. And that’s even on new things from Pioneer Woman. But I don’t think that that led is leaching into your food. So, again, I’m just checking. Is there any evidence at all that the lad that you are reading is actually in contact with food?
I want to be safe but I don’t want to be ridiculous. Thanks
If paint is peeling and a kid eats it, YES, they will get very sick. If the surface is compromised by wear and scratches, why would anyone even risk it? It’s one thing if you want to use it. It’s another to feed it to others and not tell them. Especially kids. We know lead paint sheds when it’s peeling. It’s not much of a big deal when encapsulated by painting over it, tho. At that point, it’s in the air. I think that we read magazines and decor books that feel like home (especially now, with everything being depressing), and they use that to push you into buying more you don’t need, btw…but that’s not reality. If you bought that thing or that house, within 6 months, it’ll be like it never happened (see lottery winner outcomes). That thing, whatever it is, isn’t that important. The reason those places look like that is for the sale. Nobody really lives there with it that way.
Sorry for all those typos! I was doing voice to text
So basically, the lead is in the paint on the outside of the dishes, correct?
Yes, but sometimes in the inside. And you still have to handle it to wash it, where it bumps up against other dishes you eat on. There’s even clear glass that’s very high in heavy metals.
Re: the photos of Pyrex items. When I click on a photo, no link to information appears. I would really like to know the tests results.
The large bowl that is red on the outside has the ppb showing. But, did that bowl test that high inside, as well? As on the measuring cups, apparently it is only the red paint that has lead, not the Pyrex glass itself, correct?
Thank you for doing this deep dive into the issue of lead pollution and health.
Hi Leonora, Which photo doesn’t pop up with a link for you?
Tamara
I was needing to know if the old Amber/see through 1L sauce pots are safe to use from Pyrex Vision/Corning such as this. I have been cooking with them & would like to know if we should stop
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CORNING-WARE-Pyrex-VISION-Amber-1L-POUR-SPOUT-with-LID-saucepan-Cookware-USA/283642467345?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131231084308%26meid%3Dda48dd74ea7e4870ac2a37600b33db52%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D192903664671%26itm%3D283642467345%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109
I have a similar question. Is it just the outside of the bowl testing high or the inside as well?
Are 8201 Pyrex glass sets safe to use?
Are White Corelle bowls from early 2000’s safe?
Corelle sunsations set from late 90’s safe to use?
Hello I just bought a bunch of “beautiful” pyrex mixing bowls and stacking bowls from my local thrift store. I was totally excited to remember the “Old days” with my mom in the kitchen and start sharing those sweet baking memories with my kids. Then I came across your site while googling other vintage pieces and needless to say I am horrified. I had no idea about Lead in Pyrex. Thank you so much for your website and info. I would never forgive myself if I hurt my kids unintentionally with lead. Thank you from Canada
Hi Tamara
Thank you so much for all your work. Are plain glass Pyrex safe? I have a Corning ware dish set probably purchased around 1989. Item#: 16763 Pattern Code: CORBLFL
How can I find if they ate safe to use? Thank you!
I have vintage pyrex that decorates two shelves in my kitchen. I don’t cook in it. Is it safe to even have it in the house?
I inherited several pieces similar to the red vintage Pyrex food storage and refrigerator containers. They are in other colors. I have been using them to store coffee and tea. Will that also be a concern for the amount of lead?
Yes – all the colors are high Lead, unfortunately.
Tamara
When you hold containers that have lead on the exterior, it leaches onto your hands. When it goes into the dishwasher, it leaches into the water, onto other things, into the ocean at the end. You know how everyone wonders why women get Alzheimers at higher rates than men? Who handles all this stuff? Wipes it off, puts it away, takes it out… That, and all the stuff women put on their faces.
I still do not see any past posts/answers to vintage PYREX clear casseroles and lead? I am specifically looking for 233-N Originals 9×13 (with the squared handles, not rounded) and I think it is borosilicate galss? (no green or bluish tint)
Hi – that link I shared is what I have for known vintage clear pyrex. Unfortunately they are not marked so there is not a way to tell the year and I test what my readers send me. Here’s the details on how the testing on the blog works:
https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/tamara-can-i-send-you-one-of-my-dishes-to-test-for-lead/
Tamara
Unless I have missed it in your site, I haven’t seen anything about the 60’s white Corning ware with the little blue flowers on it. It can be stove top, oven and freezer. My mom has lots of those and still uses them! Are they safe?
Thanks for all you do!
That pattern is called cornflower – here’s a few related posts: https://tamararubin.com/?s=cornflower
What about pyrex delphite mixing bowls? Thank you
I have two 2 cup measuring cups with red paint on the outside. They look similar to your pictures but they are not identical. For one thing, your pictures have the word “metric” in red, mine doesn’t. This leaves a larger space between your lettering vs mine which the Pyrex is very close to the top measuring lines. In addition your metric numbers differently, mine are 100 ml, 200ml etc. Yours add a 5 to the measure. Finally I see a Made in USA on the side of the measuring cup. Can you help me figure out if this is newer or older than the ones you are showing? Thank you