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). Tamara’s work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine in February 2023 (March 2023 print edition).
Email #1
Here’s the email from Tea Bloom
April 20, 2021 — Tuesday — Please scroll down and read all FOUR emails. Their email to me, my response, their response, and my response!
Here’s the text of their email (which has clickable links if you choose to email the company in response to their actions and tell them what you think of their reaction to my findings):
Tamara Rubin,
We tested this product (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w-fy7l8JX8) with a U.S. facility that is ISO 9000 accredited and it has passed both lead and cadmium tests. The sticks you use are not accurate.
Besides this, the logo is on the outside and bottom of the teapot, and therefore does not touch the beverage at all. So, it seems like your videos are not only inaccurate, but also very misleading to your audience. If the video is not removed within 24 hours, we will pursue legal action with you for any estimated losses we incurred since you posted the video.
Regards,
|
Email #2
Here’s my first response to TeaBloom
sent a few minutes after getting their e-mail
Hello John!
Nice to *meet* you. Usually when companies threaten legal action against me it backfires as my work is unassailable, science-based, replicable and accurate. I did not use [just] a “stick” I used an XRF instrument. The paint on the bottom is Lead paint, per the video. Please remove the lead paint from your product that you are marketing as “Lead Free”. Thank you on behalf of all Lead Safe Mama readers.
As with all my work I look for the presence of Lead in objects, the video does not state that there is any impact on the beverage contained within.
Here is my original post: https://tamararubin.com/2021/04/marketed-as-lead-free-but-painted-with-lead-paint-tea-bloom-glass-teapot-made-in-china-video/
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
http://www.LeadSafeMama.com
TamaraRubin@mac.con
To support this advocacy work with a contribution, click here: https://tamararubin.com/2017/01/chip-in/
Here’s email #2 as a screenshot
Email #3
TeaBloom’s response
as a screenshot from my phone
My final response to them is below this
Email #4
My final response to TeaBloom:
So this is searchable on the interwebs… here is the above in text format:
Hello again, John.
I posted your email and my initial response to you on my [website] (link below). Please do read the link provided in my earlier email which discusses the testing methodologies I use in my work. As with most of my work – with your teapot I first used XRF technology to *quantify* the amount of Lead, and then followed up with a LeadCheck swab test to show my readers what that amount of Lead looks like when it is tested with a reactive agent home test kit.
In your case (as stated in the video) the XRF instrument showed the Lead painted logo on the bottom of your teapot tested positive for between 5,000 and 6,000 ppm Lead. XRF technology is the same technology used by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to test for Lead in consumer goods (with readings in parts per million… ppm.)
Some companies respond favorably to this work (and the test results I provide to them free of charge via my advocacy.) Companies that respond favorably generally don’t alienate their customer base by threatening to sue me as a first email. They often thank me for my work and use that as the basis for doing further research into their materials sourcing – so they can fix the problem. I invite you to do a “180” on your approach here, as your teapot (at least the one I tested) most definitely is painted with Lead paint in the logo on the bottom, and while your advertising says the glass is Lead Free (which it is), your customers (incorrectly, based on your marketing) assume that extends to any painted markings.
Having Lead painted markings on a teapot is not illegal, HOWEVER… there are Lead-free options for these painted logos and I encourage you to research them (Avent baby bottles is one company I know that uses Lead-free markings.) Alternately I encourage you to consider switching to embossed logos (imprinted in the glass without paint), which is something the company Elk & Friends did after I found similar white Lead painted markings on their reusable glass baby food jars (branded as Jervis and George.)
Here’s my post from today and I will also upload this email to that post.
Tamara Elise Rubin
Lead Safe Mama, LLC
Cell: 415-609-3182
Email: TamaraRubin@mac.com
Click here to make a contribution in support of the work of Lead Safe Mama, LLC: https://tamararubin.com/2017/01/chip-in/
What a nasty, arrogant and bullying response on their part! I guess they don’t understand with whom they are dealing. Thank you for doing this work so that we consumers can have more information and make better-informed choices. If a company responds to the news that ANY part of their product contains accessible lead in this way, I am not interested in giving them my money. No thanks, Mr. Romano. Do better.
🙂
Thank you for commenting!
Where do they think that lead goes when the outside of the pot is washed? SMH.
Wow. They’re not handling their public relations very well.
I’m very curious how they will respond. It does not reflect on them to be so combative.
Thank you for commenting. I’m curious too!
I noticed the Instagram posts on this were taken down- any updates on this?
Hi Anna, thank you for commenting. The instagram post is still up… It’s just there have been a lot of instagram posts shared since then. I drafted an update but haven’t published it yet. Will do so soonly!
Tamara
Thank you for all you do!!!!
When they are so defensive from the get go, instead of actually being concerned that lead may be on their product, that is concerning enough for me to stay away. Whatever the defect may be, I am not a fan of companies not willing to listen to anyone saying there is a issue (especially a potentially dangerous one) and instead bullying them. Arrogant, childish and dangerous to run a company like that. Thanks for the post and all you do, Tamara!
Wow. That’s shocking and disturbing that they would threaten legal action rather than fix the problem and remove the lead paint on their products. I certainly won’t be buying anything from them with that attitude.
I’m also curious with that amount of lead in contact with an open flame, or radiant heat source each time a consumer boils water— would the heat liberate the lead and release fumes in the air? If proven to do so… Teabloom will have more problems on their hands. They, not you, Tamara, are the ones who need to lawyer up. Paging Erin Brokovich!
These so-called lead-free companies think their customers are hippy dippy idiots who will buy anything they put out as “lead-free”. Sorry Teabloom, we’re not all woowoo fairies here. Some of us are actually science minded. Do not EVER bully the person telling you your product needs improvement.
Having done a great deal of purchasing from China, I had to stay very alert to any finished products from containing lead or other contaminants. It’s great to see someone holding companies feet to the fire. Nice job .
Thank you!
Says a lot about a company who’s initial response is legal action rather than learning more about this lead paint you found. Most companies that are truly behind their products don’t react this way. Sounds like they have something to hide or don’t want the public knowing this and will do anything to shut you up. Shameful! I hope this goes viral.
I spent a lot of time on their site last night looking at all of their products – and it looks like most of their glassware has the logo on it, so this is a much bigger problem than just one teapot. As a result it makes sense that they are afraid (perhaps) and defensive, as they have likely been selling products with Lead and marketing them as Lead-free for about 5 years (based on what I could find from the research I have done into their company)- so their liability in this goes far beyond one teapot with a logo. The pot I tested was purchased on Amazon and I had no idea that it represented an entire line of products. It’s unfortunate – but they need to be held accountable for the false advertising they have been guilty of for any of this glassware that has their logo or painted designs. I will be sharing about more examples from this company soon.
Thanks for commenting, Lucia!
Tamara
Thanks for all the work you do Tamara, but lead free and ‘lead free’ can be seen two different ways.
The way you promote “lead free” is that there is no lead anywhere. The way Teambloom is promoting it is that there is no lead going into your system drinking from their sets as the lead is on the outside.
I have to say but as much as your work is good, it is also confusing people, creating panic and alarm that no matter what we as individuals eat from, cook in etc everything has some sort of toxic chemicals that are going to kill us.
I am sorry to say but as much as you are trying to do good you are at the same time causing panic and alarm where none need be. So in a way your work, even if not directly, is mis-leading. It is creating thought of potential toxic dangers to the human health that are not actually there. In the instance of teabloom, using the set they provide for the rest of your life will not reduce your life span by 5 minutes compare to something else nor will it cause you health issues nor is any of the lead going into your body from which you will be able to scientifically prove you have adverse health affects due to the logo on the bottom of the cup or pot.
In simple language, this simply means that the lead on the logo is 100% IRRELEVANT and as far as your health is concerned, it is the same as though it was not there., from a practical standpoint. If you want to argue theory and unrealistic scenarios, then by all means carry on.
But please stop confusing people like myself with so much nonsense. If I took ‘everything’ you say, there is literally not 1 pot on the planet I could use to cook food in or store food in.
So now here we have people that thought “awesome glass tea pot” but then read your nonsense about lead and then that genuine individual who DID find something healthy, is now potentially turned off buying it only to look for some alternative that will be not 0.001% healthier to them. It just causes hassle where none need be and fear.
You probably are not directly trying to cause fear mongering, but in the end your work is doing exactly that because it isn’t even scientific. What you should be testing is “how much toxin is LEACHING into my food” because THAT is what is actually going to determine my health. So all you have done is bypassed the very thing that is necessary for human health and sticking to “what is it made of” – if it doesn’t affect your health due to not leaching anything, then it doesn’t make stuff all difference what it is made of. So you making people believe certain things are bad that are actually 100% good.
As far as I am concerned, this is misinformation as your premise is based on wrong fundamentals.
Respectfully Disagree.
Please read this:
https://tamararubin.com/2020/05/i-dont-do-what-i-do-to-spread-fear-i-do-what-i-do-to-educate-so-you-can-make-informed-choices-for-your-family/
And this:
https://tamararubin.com/2020/07/if-the-lead-is-only-on-the-outside-of-my-dish-measuring-cup-mixing-bowl-etc-why-does-it-matter-that-it-has-lead/
And this:
https://tamararubin.com/topics/does-vintage-and-new-functional-pottery-and-dishware-have-unsafe-levels-of-lead/
for context.
Also – by calling this company out they removed the false labeling from their products AND are working towards removing all the Lead.
No level of Lead is safe.
Here’s a lead-free glass teapot (why choose leaded, when you can choose Lead-free):
https://tamararubin.com/2019/05/this-is-the-clear-borosilicate-glass-tea-pot-i-use-in-my-home-yes-it-is-lead-free-and-stovetop-safe/
Tamara
Sorry I couldn’t get through your entire post. But I read enough to understand the gist of it.
Tamara can certainly defend herself but as a consumer I wouldn’t know companies had a different definition of “lead free” if I hadn’t come across this website. The difference between truly being physically lead free, and merely passing a leaching test is not something you learn in school, at least public school and college.
Bringing attention to this difference has helped me be a more informed consumer. Yes it’s stressful finding out that so many companies have lead and other heavy metals in their products ( and most don’t care). But I’m not going to shoot the messenger.
I’d rather be informed and be able to make better choices for myself than live in the dark and potentially be doing things to give myself health problems in the future. Also it’s not just about me, it’s about protecting children who depend on adults like us to keep them safe and healthy.
If you or someone else isn’t interested in the information Tamara provides that’s fine. And you have a right to your opinion,
but please understand you don’t speak for everyone. From what I read of your post it just seems like you’re trolling, and I have to imagine you could find something better to do then be on a website you don’t have an interest in being on.
I apologize I didn’t read the date of these comments. I didn’t mean to respond to such an old one.
However I do think it’s important for people with that kind of attitude (in case anyone else reads this) to understand that just because they don’t find information useful doesn’t mean someone else won’t. I get to decide to spend my time on this website, not him or anyone else, unless you choose to block me I guess! 😉
It would sure be refreshing if this company would realize they are in the wrong and correct thier behavior. They now owe you an apology but they shouldn’t stop there. They owe everyone who bought thier CONTAMINATED PRODUCT a notice, refund offer and apology too. Heck, if I’m honest, I’d like to see a formal apology to me (all your readers) for how they are acting. No good will come from threatening you. Instead, they are, in fact, motivating the moms (like me!) who care about this, to care MORE. To pay MORE attention to thier bad behavior and I know that’s the WORST kind of PR a company can create for themselves.
Thank you Tamara! At least someone is looking out for us! Can this product be reported to the U.S. Consumer product safety Commission?
Hi Irene!
It’s not a CPSC violation unfortunately (not illegal!) so the there’s nothing to be done along those lines. [Because it is a product intended for use by adults – and not by children.]
T
#teabloomreally needs to work on their service! Lead in the paint vs the glass doesn’t make a difference! It’s still not lead free!
Wow , I am beyond in disbelief how their 1. action to you is threatening you with lawyers. A reputable company would thank you for your work and trying to fix the problem or at least have a civil conversation.This is America for you -sue, sue, sue. I love America, don’t get me wrong here but I have noticed that it is very sue -friendly . I am so glad I found you and am so grateful for your work and am very cautious what I purchase . Needless to say I trust your products you refer after testing and stay away from any kind of lead, and lead-free to me means 100% lead-free incl. logo paint. A product advertised as lead free should be all around lead-free. I don’t understand that Teabloom doesn’t get it. I for sure will not buy their products given their response.High Five to you Tamara for all your work you do 🙂
…thank you Thank You THANK YOU for standing on the side of consumers and families by telling us when these nasty companies use lead in their products. The company’s response is bullying and infuriating. To hell with liars and irresponsible manufacturers!
Tea Bloom’s response is tragic. Thank you for being courageous Tamara, and posting your testing results – it is truly changing the world. Tea Bloom, please take a page out of Tamara’s book to learn courage and right action!
I was sweating reading his email lol. Thank you for putting up with this kind of crap! You need a freakin’ cape.
Thank you.
Methinks this legal action warning is an empty threat. How can Tea Bloom even quantify losses/damages based on a blog post?! While their lawyer may write you a nasty letter, there really isn’t anything they can do here.
Good for you Tamara for not being intimidated or deterred.
Thank you. Yes – I am not worried about the legal threat at all. 🙂
T
You are amazing Tamara! God bless you. Would it be alright if I shared this to my Facebook page?
Yes – absolutely. Thank you!
Brilliant reply Tamara. Do the right thing Tea Bloom! Admit your mistake and correct it. When we know better we do better.
Please post findings like this on https://www.saferproducts.gov. While this is not a recall site, it is through CPSC and a great place where consumers can speak out about products of concern – even if they aren’t “illegal” –
Hi Michelle!
Thanks for the suggestion.
T
I have some possibly good news! I just purchased the “Teabloom Celebration Complete Tea Set” and despite their frankly shocking and combative response to your findings, they seem to have taken it to heart – they have removed the painted on logo from the base of all the products (at least in this set)! Great job, Lead Safe Mama!
Thank you! Yes – they came around (it seems!) I love this kind of outcome. Thanks for letting me know.
T
Absolutely! Some mixed news – I just looked at the sugar and creamer set I ordered and this one DOES still have the logo on it. Not sure if it’s just old stock (I imagine the sugar and creamer sets don’t move very quickly) or if they have only selectively removed the logo… I guess the moral of the story is to ask if the logo is painted onto the bottom or not before you buy.
Hi Tamara, so I bought some teacups from this brand because I had heard they removed the logo from the bottoms of their products, but lo and behold – the cups have logos. I also didn’t see the emails they sent you until now, so I am now rethinking my decision. I asked them if the logo is lead-free, and they responded with just “yes”. I don’t know if I trust that – did they change the paint they use? Or are they lying? Have you tested any recent products from them per chance? Below is the product in question:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KQFDHGL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1