Introduction (for those new to this website):
Tamara Rubin is a federal-award-winning independent advocate for consumer goods safety and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children, her sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005. Since 2009 Tamara has been using XRF testing (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.
Test on exterior red writing:
- Cadmium (Cd): 396 +/- 29 ppm
- Selenium (Se): 79 +/- 46 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 17,300 +/- 800 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 1,431 +/- 287 ppm
- Chromium (Cr): 1,682 +/- 177 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 2,822 +/- 284 ppm
Test on plain clear glass – on bottom exterior of cup:
- Cadmium (Cd): 18 +/- 10 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 169 +/- 70 ppm
- Palladium (Pd): 9 +/- 6 ppm
- The Cadmium in this test may be from trace micro dust contaminating the surface as a result of deterioration of the red writing on other parts of the glass.
Test on plain clear glass – on pour spout/lip:
- Titanium (Ti): 134 +/- 52 ppm
As always, thank you for reading and for sharing my posts. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Hi Tamara, Can a PLAIN glass mug with no writing or image of any sort contain lead or other unsafe metals? Can a stainless steel with no writing or image of any sort contain lead or other unsafe metals? I would be so very grateful if you could send me a response to my email. Thank you very much for your time and the work that you do.
How can you tell if your measuring cups with red writing are vintage or not, short of replacing everything you own?
If you look at each of the posts on measuring cups (click the “measuring cup” keyword at the top of the post) there is some guidance in several of the posts.
Tamara
I’m trying to convert to all metal and lead-free/safe level things in our kitchen especially, so thank you for your work!
My question is about the paint. If it’s on the outside, would it be safe to use as long as we don’t touch the red paint? I also have some other measuring cups with white paint that I’m unsure about. As long as the water or food doesn’t touch that paint, is it maybe ok?
No it is not. When you wash these measuring cups do you use the same sink and sponge/dishwasher? Congratulations you’ve contaminated all your non toxic cookware.
Hi
Are the french white 1.5 and 2.5 quart baking dishes (ceramic containers that came w/ plastic lids — looks like larger version of their ceramic ramekins) made by Corning lead free? Bought them new believe sometime in the mid to late 1990s
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Could something be used to cover up the labels?
It make more sense to spend $5 on a new measuring cup. Target has non-toxic options.
T
Are the Target “Made by Design” glass measuring cups free of toxic amounts of metals? I don’t like using the plastic or silicone measuring cups.
Generally they are Lead and Cadmium free – but they may have Cobalt if the writing is blue.
T
Is there a one cup glass measuring cup which doesn’t release toxic metal?
The Target Made By Design cup that you recommended only comes in 2 cup and 8 cup sizes.
Hi Tamara
Do you have a link to the non toxic measuring cups at Target? I see a stainless steel one, but is there also a glass one? I’m look for a 2 and a 4 cup size to replace my Pyrex.
Thanks!
Holly
I don’t have a link – any of their target branded glass measuring cups should be negative or in the safe range.
What about the Tupperware or Pampered Chef measuring cups; are either of these safe?
Hi,
How new are these cups? I have some from 2013 and wondering if they’re unsafe. Will replace if so. I also have a liquid measuring shot glass from Pyrex 2019. Thank you.
Hello. I am a plastic free household, using glass for storage. But….. Pyrex glass! They’re plain, clear glass containers with those blue plastic lids ( use silicon covers) – some made in USA and some Germany, I recall.
Are they safe or should I replace?
Please tell me what you use that is safe! I saw someone made recommendation somewhere down this lead-free rabbit hole but now can’t locate!
I’ve also checked out XRF devices wh are very expensive ($25-50k AUD). Hand-helds are much less, but those I’ve checked test lots of things but not lead or cadmium. Do you have a recommendation for reasonable-cost testing as well please?!
So appreciative of your work.
With thanks, Sue
Modern clear glass Pyrex products (without any painted markings or decorations) are Lead-free. The only thing to be on the lookout for is the modern ones with glass tops that look like they have the logo etched in the top. For those the logo is not etched actually – it is painted with white high-Lead paint.
The only instruments that are effective in testing consumer goods for Lead cost between $35,000 and $50,000 new – depending on which model you get. It is because these instruments are so expensive that I have created my website. There are over 3,500 posts and pages here on this website and you can look up most of what you own free of charge. If I haven’t tested the specific product I have written about the general category of products in most cases. Check out the website menu linked at the top of each page for starters and then possibly also watch the video that shows how to effectively & quickly search the site.