When tested with an XRF instrument the florist wire pictured in this post (made by Panacea Products of Columbus Ohio and manufactured in China) had the following readings:
Reading one:
- Lead (Pb): 149 +/- 68 ppm
- Chromium (Cr): 382 +/- 86 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 182,000 +/- 2,300 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 813,100 +/- 2,500 ppm
- Manganese (Mn): 2,194 +/- 488 ppm
Reading two was negative for Lead:
- Chromium (Cr): 290 +/- 83 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 176,300 +/- 2,400 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 818,600 +/- 2,600 ppm
- Manganese (Mn): 2,512 +/- 516 ppm
A third reading was positive for 307 +/- 88 ppm Lead.
These are the results of three separate 60 second readings. Multiple readings were done to confirm the levels. 50% of the readings were positive for very low levels of Lead and 50% were negative. Lead contamination at these levels (and sometimes much higher) is typical of products made with high levels of Zinc.
Takeaway:
I would choose not to let my children play with this for art projects, even though the level is very low and Lead was not present in every reading. We are still on the lookout for a completely Lead-free choice for wire for art projects with my children. Copper wire might be the best alternative. Wire coated with rubberized coating often has Lead in the rubber as well as possibly in the wire, so is not necessarily a better / safer choice.
Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
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