For those new to this 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). Since 2009, Tamara has been using XRF technology (a scientific method used by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals — including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic). All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable. Items are tested multiple times to confirm the test results for each component tested. Tamara’s work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine in February of 2023 (March 2023 print edition).
When tested with an XRF instrument, this vintage Corelle dish (Made in the USA) with a yellow basket and blue and red flowers had the following readings:
Test centered on blue flower in the center of the food surface of the dish:
- Lead (Pb): 2,406 +/- 73 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 239 +/- 114 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 1,846 +/- 117 ppm
- Cobalt (Co): 187 +/- 68 ppm
Test centered on yellow basket in the center of the food surface of the dish:
- Lead (Pb): 1,288 +/- 50 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 40 +/- 17 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 371 +/- 127 ppm
- Vanadium (V): 56 +/- 25 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 861 +/- 70 ppm
Tests results are science-based and replicable. All tests are done for a minimum of 60 seconds unless otherwise noted. Tests are repeated multiple times to confirm the results using a freshly calibrated XRF instrument testing in consumer goods mode. Metals not listed in the above test results sets were not detected with testing conducted in “consumer goods mode.”
For context: How much Lead is too much Lead?
The amount of XRF detectable Lead (total Lead content) that is considered unsafe (and illegal) in an item manufactured today that is intended for use by children is anything 90 ppm Lead (or higher) in the paint, glaze, or coating. Dishware is not regulated in this same way as it is not considered to be an item intended for use by children. Vintage and antique items are also not regulated for the presence of most toxic heavy metals (Antimony, Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic, etc.)
Some additional reading you may be interested in….
- To see more “Made in USA” pieces we have tested, click here.
- To see more Corelle pieces we have tested, click here.
- To see more china we have tested, click here.
New plain white Corelle is always a good choice (from a toxicant perspective). Here is a link to an article with several options for new Lead-free Corelle sets. As always, thank you for reading and for sharing this work.
Please let me me have any questions!
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Can’t remember the exact name of the pattern, but it is the green ivy. Is it safe?
Are we going to get new free plates and saucers and bowls from the company? Since it was their mistake and we’ve been using them?
I’ve been eating on this plates for 60 yrs, . Will I be getting replacements for them. I feed my family on these plates.
So if my patten isn’t shown from 1981 is it safe or you just didn’t test it?
I have the same question.
I agree. We need a link showing where corelle is going to make good what we have bc they messed up and made millions for us..we want to be compensated
I have a pattern not shown….it is the stoneware….Is it safe? I don’t know the name of the pattern, but it is pale green with soft mauve pink flowers.
I too want to know what corelle plans to do about replacing or refunding for dishes that have lead and other unsafe toxins.
So far I have not heard of any plans – but I will publish something here on this website as soon as I hear of anything at all! Please subscribe to my newsletter for the latest updates (the newsletter is free!) Here is the link to subscribe:
https://tamararubin.com/subscribe-to-the-lead-safe-mama-blog/
T
I have had 3 sets of the basket and flowers for about 25-30 years and still use them for my family and grandchildren .i have bought extra pieces at the outlet stores. Please let me know Cornings intentions. Thanks, Betty Michael
I have 2 sets of corelle that have ducks with blue/red and small amout of yellow. I have them for at least 30 years maybe more. We use them daily.
Please keep me informed!!
I have used the Golden butterfly pattern and spring green flower pattern since they came out. My sister continues using this set. I purchased the blue snowflake pattern when I began living on my own. I have given that set away. I then purchased the Meadow set and the country corn flower set. These are the ones I use today. I have always loved these dishes. We use them daily as I am an avid home cook. How could I not know about the lead in these dishes. I will retire my dishes but don’t feel I can even donate them. They should be removed from circulation. I would love to buy a new set but feel upset with corelle.
Hi, Tamara!
I have been reading your website with a lot of interest, and I wondered if you had tested any vintage Winter Frost White Corelle? It looks identical to the white new Corelle you tested, but mine is almost 40 years old and going strong. I would hate to keep it if it tests positive for lead, though. Thanks so much!
It is negative for Lead.