When tested with an XRF instrument the vintage stainless steel Epic brand “forged stainless” spoon (Made in Japan) with faux wood handle pictured here had the following readings:
Faux wood / composite of handle:
- Lead (Pb): 2,170 +/- 41 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 757 +/- 115 ppm
- Chromium (Cr): 222 +/- 53 ppm
- Bromine (Br): 12 +/- 4 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 545 +/- 20 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 65 +/- 14 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 2,058 +/- 65 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 1,909 +/- 283 ppm
Stainless of bowl of spoon:
Metal – 410/16/20 [low Nickel stainless steel.]
- Chromium (Cr): 115,300 +/- 900 ppm
- Tin (Sn): 122 +/- 55 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 876 +/- 240 ppm
- Nickel (Ni): 1,352 +/- 382 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 873,800 +/- 2,000 ppm
- Vanadium (V): 405 +/- 153 ppm
- Manganese (Mn): 6,130 +/- 1,104
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. 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 and cutlery is not covered by this regulatory standard (for total Lead content as detectable with an XRF instrument) because regulatory agencies do not consider the items we use to eat to be “items intended for use by children” unless they are expressly sold as baby items (like baby spoons or baby dishes).
Some additional reading….
- To see more spoons that I have tested, click here.
- to see more flatware I have tested, 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
If stainless steel flatware is “forged,” does it have a higher chance of containing lead or any other toxic substances? Thank you.