This product is marketed online and sold as “Lead Free” on Amazon (below is a screenshot from the Amazon listing for this product taken on 3/25/2019 – 7:50 p.m.):
When tested with an XRF instrument this white ceramic bowl had the following readings (with a one-minute test in consumer goods mode):
Inside food surface of bowl:
- Lead (Pb): 35 +/- 12 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 17 +/- 8 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 16,400 +/- 500 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 1,165 +/- 166 ppm
- Vanadium (V): 160 +/- 36 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 432 +/- 62 ppm
- Indium (In): 43 +/- 11 ppm
The bottom logo area (black image and writing) had the following readings:
- Barium (Ba): 1,602 +/- 177
- Selenium (Se): 35 +/- 14 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 8,811 +/- 133 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 501 +/- 41 ppm
- Bismuth (Bi): 49 +/- 10 ppm
The levels of Lead and Cadmium found on the inside surface of this bowl are within safe levels by all standards. While there is not a regulatory restriction for total Lead or Cadmium content in new (or vintage) dishware in the United States, I like to share the regulatory standards for toys, which are the only relevant regulations when it comes to XRF detectable levels of metals. In my opinion dishes should be regulated at least to the same strict levels as toys. Below is a chart from the following study (link) that shows acceptable limits of these toxicants:
As always, thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Amazon links are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking on one of my links I may receive a small percentage of what you spend at no extra cost to you. Amazon links do not necessarily represent an endorsement or suggestion that you should buy something. If there is an Amazon link to a product that is positive for Lead, Mercury, Cadmium or Arsenic – I am only providing that link so you can see it “in the wild.”
I don’t get it. If you’re finding lead and cadmium on the inside surface of these bowls, how are they lead and cadmium free?
Thank you for commenting!
….My point exactly – they are not! Yet the companies advertise them as being Lead-free. It’s a common issue. You cannot trust marketing.
T
I purchased a similar bowl made by the same company and advertised in the exact same way. I’m now very upset to find that they contain not only lead, but other harmful elements. So, in your opinion, is the one you tested safe for food use? Also, is there a difference in use of hot foods vs. cold with these? i.e., does more lead leach into the food if it’s hot or if the bowl and food has just been heated in a microwave? Thanks for all you do <3
Hi, I just bought these Dowan bowls. Should I use them or throw out? I’m not entirely clear after reading this. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
I don’t get it. In case you’re discovering lead and cadmium within the surface of these dishes, how are they lead and cadmium free?
They are not. It is false advertising.
Have you tested dowan mugs at all? Same promises on the Amazon listing but they are specific to say “lead free ceramic” and not mention the glaze. Thank you for all you do!
The Logo is not Dowan Logo.
Our products are all lead-free.
Please do not buy or use any of those product with the “house” logo.
Team from Dowan.
Bob
If these are not Dowans, then where can I find Dowans without the house logo? The mugs listed under the Dowans amazon store have the house logo on it, so I’m confused. Would love to purchase a truly non leaded ceramic mug.
I’m totally confused on if there dinnerware is safe .
I JUST purchased 2 sizes of these white bowls, the 22 oz and the smaller soup/cereal, all in white from Amazon. I am concerned that someone named “Bob” who says he is associated with Dowan, has not responded further after dropping the bomb about the logo ! Which is a true Dowan bowl? HOW FRUSTRATING.
Jeanne
Well, I did a bit of checking , after posting my knee jerk panicked post. My brand new 22 oz bowls from Amazon show the same logo as the Dowan website. It’s. Feathery green comma like logo next to the name, all in a green color. None I saw on Amazon were the house logo. So not sure now if mine are truly lead free or not? Just wanted to clarify that the house is NOT the Dowan logo.