When tested with an XRF instrument this baby cup from 1984 had the following readings:
- Lead (Pb): 1,441 +/- 293 ppm
- Antimony (Sb): 70,500 +/- 1,500 ppm
- Tin (Sn): 910,500 +/- 4,100 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 11,00 +/- 1,100 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 5,012 +/- 370 ppm
All tests results listed on this blog are from testing done for at least 60 seconds unless otherwise noted. Testing is always repeated multiple times (on each component for multi-component items) to confirm the results. Test results are accurate, science-based and replicable. All metals listed in the XRF instrument readout in “consumer goods” mode for the item pictured are listed here on this post (above). Any metals not listed were not detected by the instrument.
How much Lead is too much? Is this baby cup safe to use?
The amount of Lead that is considered unsafe in a newly manufactured item intended for use by children today is anything 90 ppm Lead or higher in the paint, glaze or coating and anything over 100 ppm in the substrate. Because this is far greater than 100 ppm Lead … IF this were sold today it would be considered unsafe and illegal for use by children (the intended purpose given it is a baby cup!)
On top of that, Antimony (Sb) is a known carcinogen. Given the quite significant amount of Antimony in this cup (combined with the fact that the item was made and intended for functional food use with an infant or young child) it is very likely that Antimony (and possibly Lead too) would have leached into the beverages contained within – especially with more acidic beverages like fruit juice. In the absence of XRF testing I would never use a cup like this (vintage or new) for a baby. Instead I recommend stainless steel cups for kiddos (or clear glass from a reputable brand like Life Factory.
To see more toxic (and safe) baby cups I have tested over the years, click here.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Ugh, I am so upset! I let my baby granddaughter gnaw on her father’s pewter baby mug all day today. She loved it! How much harm is that capable of?
Hi Maryann, this is a serious potential exposure concern. I would get a blood lead test immediately. Call the pediatrician and see if there is a way to do that on Saturday. Possibly go to an E.R. or urgent care clinic if they have blood lead testing at the urgent care clinic.
Tamara