Originally published: December 30, 2016
Updated: December 28, 2019
20+ year old Pyrex® measuring cup.
Purchased new c. 1994
When tested with an XRF instrument the red markings on the outside of this cup were positive for Lead at the following level:
- Lead (Pb): 6,253 ppm
For context: the amount of lead that is considered toxic in an item intended to be used by children is anything 90 ppm or higher in the paint or coating (dishware is not regulated in the same way for the presence of Lead).
While it can be argued that it is “only” on the exterior and thus “non-leaching”, this is a very high amount of Lead — especially considering it is both a relatively modern item, and one intended for heavy/daily use in household food preparation activities. [I would also point out that the user – whether adult or child – can be reasonably expected to come into frequent direct contact with the painted markings in normal usage.]
Tamara, how can I tell if my Pyrex® glass measuring cup has lead or cadmium?
If you would like to make an educated guess as to whether or not a particular Pyrex® glass measuring cup may have Lead (Pb) or Cadmium (Cd) in the writing on the outside, your best option is to compare the typeface of the writing to the examples here on this site. If your cup’s typeface/”font” is the same style and color as one pictured, it is likely of the same vintage, and will also likely have similar Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) levels as this typical example.
To see more items that I have tested that were positive for Cadmium, Click Here.
To see more Pyrex-brand glass measuring cups I have tested, Click Here.
To see more measuring cups I have tested, Click Here.
To see all types (different brands) of glass measuring cups I have tested, Click Here.
Fortunately There are many lead-free options out there. For guidelines to help you choose a safer measuring cup, Click Here! [Prices listed below are from when this post was originally written and they may have changed since then.]
- Here’s one good choice: 32 oz clear glass for $19.83*
- Here’s another good choice: 8 oz clear glass for $3.99*
- And yet another good choice: 8-cup clear glass for $20.60*
Please share and browse the photo library here (click on the #XRFTesting tag above) to see items I have personally tested that have tested both positive and negative for lead.
To learn more about XRF Testing & the potential implications of lead in cookware click HERE and HERE.
Read more about lead-in-Pyrex® here.
As always please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
I have one of these at home, is there a way to test & see if it’s safe? thanks
Sometimes these will test positive with the swabs from LeadCheck BUT if you take a look at the shape of the logo on yours and the shape of the logos on the various ones I have tested that will be a good indicator as to whether or not they have lead (if they have the same logo shape or not – the “P” is distinctly different on the unleaded vs. the leaded ones.)
So I have a quick question, if you don’t mind. I have my measuring cups in a pile (all of which contain lead! They tested positive with the lead check, and they have the old ‘P’)… However I have a “newer” Pyrex measuring dish. It has the newer ‘P’ on it… It looks like the outer is fading so I am wondering, is that okay? It says unleaded vs leaded with the ‘P”s, and I’m interested because I wonder if my.lead swab is red from the paint color or lead.
I hope that makes sense.
Hello and thank you, could you post pictures of what the “p” looks like if unleaded. Most helpful
Tamara:
This is Rich, Did the people from Pyrex respond to your test results?
Would the “Classic Batter Bowl” from Pampered Chef be a safe alternative?
Or “Anchor Hocking 2 Quart Ovenproof Glass Batter Bowl , Clear , 2 L – 81605L11”?
Thank you for all you do!
I would love to know about the Pampered Chef batter bowls, too!
Would like this answer also regarding the Pampered Chef batter bowls. Anything???
Can you please test Vintage pyrex flameware glass teapot and Double Boiler & Insert w/Glass Lid
Flameware?