Unmarked white glazed ceramic canister with Lid: 82 ppm Lead. Safe by all standards.

When tested with an XRF instrument the ceramic canister (with matching ceramic lid) pictured here had the following readings:

Exterior glazed surface – test #1

• Lead (Pb): 82 +/- 16 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): 64 +/- 21 ppm
• Copper (Cu): 219 +/- 44 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 1,786 +/- 208 ppm
• Bismuth (Bi): 90 +/- 16 ppm
• Vanadium (V): 101 +/- 21 ppm
• Titanium (Ti): 225 +/- 34 ppm
• Zirconium (Zr): 4,744 +/- 127 ppm

Exterior glazed surface – test #2

• Lead (Pb): 54 +/- 16 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): 90 +/- 24 ppm
• Copper (Cu): 260 +/- 49 ppm
• Iron (Fe): 1,521 +/- 205 ppm
• Bismuth (Bi): 118 +/- 18 ppm
• Vanadium (V): 115 +/- 27 ppm
• Titanium (Ti): 250 +/- 41 ppm
• Zirconium (Zr): 6,998 +/- 192 ppm

Test results are science-based, replicable and accurate. Testing has been done for a minimum of 60 seconds per test with tests repeated multiple times (for each component) to confirm the accuracy of the results. The test results sets shown above are two examples from the range of test results found with the item pictured. A freshly calibrated XRF instrument that is specifically designed for testing consumer goods is used for all test results reported on this website.

How much Lead is too much Lead?

For context the amount of XRF detectable Lead that is considered unsafe (and illegal) in a newly manufactured item intended for use by children is anything 90 ppm or higher in the paint, glaze or coating. Dishware is not covered by this regulatory standard (for total Lead content as detectable with an XRF instrument) because regulatory agencies do not consider dishware to be “items intended for use by children.” However, given the low level of Lead found, the item pictured here would be considered safe by all standards that look at total Lead content.

Some additional reading….

• To read more about the concern for Lead in pottery, click here.
• To read more about the type of testing I do, 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