xtrema 1.25 quart Versa Pot ceramic cookware, “Handcrafted In China”: 16,400 ppm Lead (90 & up is unsafe for kids) & 766 ppm Cadmium (a carcinogen).
For those new to the Lead Safe Mama 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 four sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005).
- Tamara owns and runs Lead Safe Mama, LLC — a unique community collaborative woman-owned small business for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety.
- Since 2009, Tamara has been conducting XRF testing (a scientific testing method) using the exact instrumentation employed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals — including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic).
- Since July of 2022, the work of Lead Safe Mama, LLC has been responsible for 5 product recalls (FDA and CPSC).
- All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable.
- Items that Lead Safe Mama, LLC reports on are tested multiple times to confirm the results published (for each component tested).
- Recent notable press… There has been too much to mention already in 2024! Please check out our press page to see some of the amazing coverage of our work so far this year!
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Published: June 8, 2022
To start, here’s a short video showing the actual XRF Testing done on the pot pictured (a pot which was purchased about two years ago – c. 2020 – by the owner):
Some additional links that may be of interest:
- For context about the concerns with this brand, please read this article and the 140+ comments at the bottom.
- There are 11 total articles about this brand here on this website, here’s the xtrema category of articles so that you can read them all.
Highlights / Points of Concern
- Until recently this brand sold their products with marketing language stating the products were “metals-free” and specifically noting that they were “Lead-free”. Neither of these claims were true.
- This company claims their products are made of “pure ceramic” – this (“pure ceramic”) is nonsensical marketing hype. It appears that this claim was made to misdirect consumers into thinking that the pots are not glazed, and that the lack of glaze supported the (false) claim that these pots were “metals-free”. In fact these pots are glazed – with black glaze, and (in this example) also with red glaze on the lid, and the glazes contain many more metals than the light peach-colored substrate ceramic of these pots — which normally tests positive for four metals, even before the glaze! (details here).
- This article (link) discusses the issue of cookware and dishes that contain Lead and Cadmium (and other metals) — an issue of concern regardless of whether the item passed leach-testing standards at the time of manufacture.
- The manufacturer of these ceramic pots (which were sold under the names xtrema; ceramcor; and Mercola) never informed previous customers (who bought the products when the old language was on their site – stating the products were “metals-free”) that their marketing language was non-factual. They never issued a voluntary recall, or offered refunds upon learning that their products tested positive for at least 14 metals — including the metallic toxicants Lead, Cadmium, and Cobalt [from the initial results of XRF testing conducted by Lead Safe Mama, LLC, published on June 9, 2017]
Full test results for the (c. 2020) xtrema red and black pot pictured
Metals highlighted in RED are considered toxic to humans
Reading #1) Black interior food surface of the pot
72-second reading
13 metals found in the glaze
- Lead (Pb): 19 +/- 8 ppm
- Chromium (Cr): 11,000 +/- 500 ppm
- Vanadium (V): 2,928 +/- 619 ppm
- Manganese (Mn): 2,778 +/- 229 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 11,200 +/- 300 ppm
- Cobalt (Co): 7,773 +/- 226 ppm
- Nickel (Ni): 2,514 +/- 105 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 34 +/- 11 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 9,697 +/- 1,166 ppm
- Indium (In): 9 +/- 5 ppm
- Tin (Sn): 18 +/- 7 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 1,024 +/- 36
- Bismuth (Bi): 117 +/- 10 ppm
- No other metals detected in consumer goods mode.
Reading #2) Red interior of the lid of the pot
60-second reading
12 metals found in the glaze
- Lead (Pb): 38 +/- 22 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 721 +/- 30 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 1,694 +/- 181 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 229 +/- 40 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 3,195 +/- 117 ppm
- Selenium (Se): 403 +/- 26 ppm
- Zirconium (Zr): 15,400 +/- 400 ppm
- Niobium (Nb): 214 +/- 21 ppm
- Tin (Sn): 24 +/- 12 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 137 +/- 45 ppm
- Platinum (Pt): 169 +/- 50 ppm
- Bismuth (Bi): 67 +/- 15 ppm
- No other metals detected in consumer goods mode.
Reading #3) Red exterior of the lid of the pot
63-second reading
12 metals found in the glaze
- Lead (Pb): 42 +/- 20 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 603 +/- 24 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 2,071 +/- 183 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 252 +/- 39 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 2,895 +/- 103 ppm
- Selenium (Se): 390 +/- 24 ppm
- Zirconium (Zr): 13,500 +/- 300 ppm
- Niobium (Nb): 212 +/- 20 ppm
- Tin (Sn): 18 +/- 11 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 87 +/- 41 ppm
- Platinum (Pt): 152 +/- 45 ppm
- Bismuth (Bi): 68 +/- 14 ppm
- No other metals detected in consumer goods mode.
Reading #4) Logo mark on bottom
62-second reading
15 metals found in the glaze
- Lead (Pb): 15,700 +/- 300 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 499 +/- 18 ppm
- Chromium (Cr): 15,700 +/- 700 ppm
- Vanadium (V): 6,343 +/- 772 ppm
- Manganese (Mn): 1,028 +/- 242 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 3,785 +/- 205 ppm
- Cobalt (Co): 2,892 +/- 149 ppm
- Nickel (Ni): 970 +/- 82 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 1,943 +/- 85 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 1,467 +/- 61 ppm
- Selenium (Se): 230 +/- 24 ppm
- Zirconium (Zr): 342 +/- 14 ppm
- Tin (Sn): 34 +/- 9 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 1,345 +/- 56 ppm
- Platinum (Pt): 222 +/- 66 ppm
- No other metals detected in consumer goods mode.
Reading #5) Logo mark on bottom, focus on red area
30-second reading
15 metals found in the glaze
- Lead (Pb): 16,400 +/- 500 ppm
- Cadmium (Cd): 766 +/- 38 ppm
- Chromium (Cr): 9,049 +/- 804 ppm
- Vanadium (V): 9,307 +/- 1,279 ppm
- Manganese (Mn): 962 +/- 336 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 3,257 +/- 292 ppm
- Cobalt (Co): 2,323 +/- 202 ppm
- Nickel (Ni): 835 +/- 118 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 268 +/- 53 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 1,521 +/- 94 ppm
- Selenium (Se): 395 +/- 41 ppm
- Zirconium (Zr): 403 +/- 23 ppm
- Tin (Sn): 23 +/- 14 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 1,272 +/- 82 ppm
- Platinum (Pt): 253 +/- 103 ppm
- No other metals detected in consumer goods mode.
~ End ~
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WOW, so glad you are following Xtrema. I sent teapots back to them 2 years ago when I saw Made In China on the box. It was not on their website before I purchased. I emailed them about it and to return the teapots and their response was not nice when I said to bad not made in the USA.
After I have read all the above between Tamara and Justine I totally believe this is a verbal attack on Tarmara’s hard work testing dangerous lead and chemicals we all know exists in products and food. I have followed Tamara for at least three years and found all of the information truthful and life saving. I could never afford her tester or have the time so thank goodness for people like her. A few other women I follow who have on line businesses testing/researching products for our health reference Tamara. I experienced rude attitude by Xtrema when I returned two teapots at least 5 years ago. I found on the box when delivered they were made in China and I was surprised because I throughly read their website and found no mention Made In China. I wanted non toxic teapots for my daughter and myself for health reasons. I was convinced they were USA made. This was when there was a lot of controversy of American companies making their products in highly polluted China especially China’s water. After a few conversations and questions I asked of Xtrema back and forth I decided to return the teapots. Whoever I talked to I dont remember their name but it was a man who became rude because I was returning the teapots which cost over two hundred dollars. I thank Tamara for testing Xtrema and so much more. I’m so glad I was right to return the teapots. We must keep up the fight against life threatening toxins in products we use everyday, especially food. I research everything I buy and China has been out for me. I thank you Tamara from my daughter, my son, my grandchildren, my whole family knows about lead poisoning because of you.
Please, for the love of everyone, will you send these pots and pans to an actual testing facility. Sitting at home with your basic and unreliable XRF machine is wrong on many levels. I understand that you want to make a business out of using your machine and charging people for the service, but if you genuinely care about others like you say you do, then you would pay the fee to have this cookware properly tested for leaching of said toxins. There is a vast difference between products that contain certain metals/toxins and their ability to leech into food. Put your money where your mouth is, pay for the proper testing, and publish it so we all can see the results. Then you will be more credible.
Sincerely,
Pointing out the charlatans
With this company I am specifically calling out their historic practice of False Advertising. This is an undeniable fact supported by the testing I have done. The company historically and persistently has / had engaged in blatant false advertising that has misled thousands of customers. If you choose to sill use their products – that is up to you.
The XRF instrument I use is neither basic, nor unreliable. It is a $35,000 scientific instrument – the same instrument used by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to screen for metals.
You might want to read this article about long-term impacts of toxicants in cookware and dishware:
https://tamararubin.com/topics/does-vintage-and-new-functional-pottery-and-dishware-have-unsafe-levels-of-lead/
You might also want to read this article:
https://tamararubin.com/2021/06/but-is-this-dish-or-toy-or-lamp-or-vitamin-or-piece-of-jewelry-or-tibetan-brass-singing-bowl-actually-going-to-poison-me-and-how-would-that-happen-exactly/
You might also want to read this article:
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/
This article has a lot of comments from the owner of Xtrema:
https://tamararubin.com/2017/06/mercola_pan/
I sincerely invite you to test these pots and pans yourself. I would be most interested in what the leach testing results are like after years of daily use. You can test them after one year, after two years and then after three or five years of daily use and you can let us know when your pots started leaching the toxic heavy metals they most definitely have in their glaze.
One more article you might appreciate:
https://tamararubin.com/2019/05/xtrema-cookware-an-important-point-the-clay-substrate-was-positive-for-only-4-metals-this-means-the-other-metals-found-are-all-in-the-glaze/
Thanks for your comment.
Tamara
Your response shows your unwillingness to put your money where your mouth is. Why not pay for the testing yourself? The machine you have at home is entirely different than what real labs use to test for the leeching of toxins. Sadly, you are unwilling to back up your claims with accurate third-party testing. I find it quite strange that you continue to slam this company and make a profit off your “recommendations” Are you afraid that if you had an actual lab test these products, your whole “business” would crumble? I am all for avoiding toxins and people who provide accurate information, but your claims are invalid unless you can provide accurate scientific third-party testing.
I look forward to the day you bring in a real scientist, third-party testing service, and researcher to test the accuracy of the claims you make on this site.
My money is your money. Readers contribute to cover the costs of the testing we do here. If you would like to cover that cost, here’s the page with information on how to make a contribution. https://tamararubin.com/2021/07/ways-to-support-the-work-of-lead-safe-mama-llc/
Thank you again for commenting and thank you in advance for your support of this community-sourced testing!
Anyone who would like to respond to Justine can do so with a comment here.
Do you work for Ceramcor?
Tamara
Wow you must an xrf machine is something anyone can afford. An xrf machine is what labs use. Look it up if you don’t believe it. It is a professional machine.
The fact that you would display my email is shameful. Shame on you. That is just wrong on many levels. Very petty and unprofessional. I used to be a fan of your site, but the fact that no one can have an opinion different than yours does not sit well with me. I am a stay-at-home mom who cares about her family, and I have enjoyed many of your articles. Now that I don’t agree with one thing you say or question why you can’t put your money where your mouth is, you violate my privacy. Unsubscribing from the Tamara echo chamber. Toodles!
Justine – it is in our published privacy policy.
You seem to want additional input – hopefully this way you will get some additional constructive input outside of a conversation where you don’t seem to be interested in new information – or in reading the actual words that are written on the page. Here’s the privacy policy: https://tamararubin.com/about/lead-safe-mama-llc-privacy-policy/
Tamara
The fact that you would display my email shows how unprofessional you are. You have invaded my privacy simply because I don’t agree with you. This site should not be an echo chamber. Real science allows all sides to be heard. Science is ever-evolving and has many sources with different opinions. I used to like your articles, but the fact that you would be so unprofessional makes me sad for you. I am a stay-at-home mother, and you have invaded my privacy. From one woman to another, not cool.
You show how unprofessional you are by deleting my comments because they don’t agree with your agenda and for displaying my email address. I have kept time stamped verification that you have deleted all of my comments, and my blog articles which get millions of views, will show your deletions, unprofessionalism, and invasion of my privacy. Also, reporting your website. Your disclaimer says that you will not sell or share personal information. You have violated your own terms.
I haven’t deleted any of your comments Justine. Not one.
T
Please read the full privacy policy again – it is linked on the bottom of every page – this section specifically:
“THREATENING OR HARASSING BEHAVIOR
IF YOU ENGAGE IN HARASSMENT DIRECTED AT THIS WEBSITE OR THE OPERATORS OF THIS WEBSITE: Screenshots of your harassing or threatening e-mails or comments (which may include your i.p. address and e-mail address as well as the message sent) may be shared publicly with our readers here or on social media.
We discourage harassing behavior of all kinds and want users to be very clear that angry, harassing or threatening comments may be made public in this way – in order to further discourage this sort of behavior. Under these circumstances your information will not be kept private.”
Your persistent comments fall under “Harassing Behavior”.
Also in the Privacy Policy (linked in the bottom of every page):
“PUBLICLY VISIBLE INFORMATION
If you create a user profile on the Website or leave a comment, certain information may be publicly visible. To create a user profile, you must choose a username and password and input your email address for profile confirmation. Your email address will never be available publicly (unless you choose to send harassing or threatening emails or post similar harassing comments on the site, see harassment section above). At your option, you may also add an avatar, a profile description, and a link to your website.”
I would be more than happy to have you delete all of my comments from this thread. I do not wish to argue or be seen as “harassing,” that was not my intent. I have enjoyed your information and value mothers who care about safe living. You can go ahead and delete my comments and I wish you well with your endeavors
I’m sorry you are so angry.
You really might appreciate the information to be learned from reading this article about WHY the mere presence of multiple neurotoxic metals is a problem even if the item has been shown not to Leach at the time of manufacture:
Again this article: https://tamararubin.com/topics/does-vintage-and-new-functional-pottery-and-dishware-have-unsafe-levels-of-lead/
and this article: 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/
Tamara
You are clearly an unhinged single mom with way too much time on her hands
I would be more than happy to have you delete all of my comments from this thread. I do not wish to argue or be seen as “harassing,” that was not my intent. I have enjoyed your information and value mothers who care about safe living. You can go ahead and delete my comments and I wish you well with your endeavors
Before first use, cooking tomato sauce for many hours may decrease leaching.
I left a comment on a older string (5/19) and wanted to fine a more current string. I posted this comment:
I noticed an article from Clean Cuisine.com dated 3/7/22 stating that Xtrema cookware meets all of Prop 65 requirements. Are they now metal free/safe to use, or is this some misleading info.
I would appreciate any info from anyone who knows the current status of how safe/unsafe Xtrema cookware is. Also, is there any current info on any hidden unsafe ingredients in Greenlife Thermolon ceramic coating? Also, if a ceramic coated rice cooker is titanium infused, does that mean it will release titanium into the rice? The only alternative is stainless steel rice cookers. I would prefer a non stick one.
For Xtrema cookware, if there was a testing report showing the cookware is chemical-free, it would be better. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB1200
That’s not quite an answer, to get prop 65 approval it is tested. And what about ceramic cookware with titanium infusion?
There is no Xtrema cookware on the list. https://www.consumerreports.org/cookware/best-cookware-sets-of-the-year-a2221791769/
Hello, Just wanted to know how your testing is different to California Prop 65 and the testing of xtrema pans? Thank you 🙂
Please read the related posts – they go in to that in detail. Prop 65 is a labeling standard (not a total content limits standard.) You can start with this article – which has links to most of the other articles: https://tamararubin.com/2019/05/gah-richard-the-owner-of-ceramcor-xtrema-sent-a-private-letter-to-his-resellers-in-an-attempt-to-discredit-my-findings-of-lead-other-metals-in-his-metals-free-cookware/
T
Does titanium cookware have Prop65 warning labels？
ok… I wish I had found this prior to my purchasing Xtrema last November (2022)!!!!! I have been sick over my recent lab results showing VERY HIGH LEVELS of LEAD!!! AND… Cadmium!!!! I use my Xtrema pots and pans all the time and was told they are “clean” no metals. I am now spending $$$$ to start detoxing. My memory is SHOT, I feel as though I have the worst case of ADHD – cannot focus on much and am unable to work. I am praying this is not going to do long term damage. What repercussions do I have here??? please help!! I literally just received all my detox product through a functional/integrative doc I’m seeing. Thank God she ordered the Total Tox Burden test for me to learn this. Thanks!
Very sorry to have to report this, but I dug into the 3rd-party lab tests posted on Xtrema’s site: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2996/3722/files/Xtrema_CA_Prop_65_-_10-13_-23.pdf?v=1701453102
They show no Cadmium(Cd), but that 31 mg Lead(Pb) per kg (~2 1/4 lb) of ceramic leaches out of their skillet (similar for other items).
While this apparently falls under the Prop65 limit of 100mg/kg, which allows Xtrema to say the pans are “safe” according to the Prop65 leach testing, my research indicates there is no safe level of lead exposure. In fact, the FDA now says, “Please note, currently, there is no FDA guidance limit for leachable lead from cookware; the marketing in interstate commerce, including importation, of cookware that exhibits any level of leachable lead upon testing is prohibited. … There is no level of exposure to lead that has been determined to be safe.” (https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/documents/FDA_Letter_to_SWhittaker_Seattle-King%20County_RE%20Test%20method%20for%20cookware_6-1-2023_emailed.pdf)
So, one can reasonably expect leaching of 31 ppm (mg/kg) of lead (Pb), and probably some of the other 10-14 metals in these pans (as tested by Lead Free Mama: https://tamararubin.com/2019/05/xtrema-cookware-an-important-point-the-clay-substrate-was-positive-for-only-4-metals-this-means-the-other-metals-found-are-all-in-the-glaze/)
~~~
Also found we should probably test or stop using ceramic tea cups…
( https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/12/08/563808879/can-your-ceramic-cookware-give-you-lead-poisoning )
Acidic food or drink is especially likely to cause lead to leach out of ceramics, unfortunately for coffee drinkers with favorite earthenware mugs. (The Lancet report relates the story of a Seattle couple who fell mysteriously ill; the cause was lead poisoning from terracotta cups.)
~~~
If you already have ceramic cookware, dishes, tableware or mugs, here’s how to Minimize Lead Leaching
1. Switch off between using ceramic and cookware made from other materials to reduce exposure to any one toxin….
From https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ccdphp/deodc/clppb/pages/q-a-lead-in-tableware.aspx#doineedtoworry
9. How can I reduce the chances that my dishes will expose me to lead?
The safest practice is not to use tableware that you are unsure of with food or drink. This is especially true for tableware used by children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Follow these precautions:
Do not heat food in dishes that contain or might contain lead. Cooking or microwaving speeds the lead-leaching process.
Do not store foods in dishes that contain or might contain lead. The longer food stays in contact with a dish surface that leaches lead, the more lead will be drawn into the food.
Do not use dishes that contain or might contain lead with highly acidic foods or drinks. Acidic foods and drinks leach lead out of dishes much faster than non-acid foods. Common acidic foods include foods that contain citrus fruits, apples, tomatoes, soy sauce, and salad dressing. Many drinks are also acidic, such as fruit juices, sodas (especially cola drinks), alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea. Common non-acidic foods include rice or potatoes; water and milk are non-acidic drinks.
If you do not know if a dish contains lead, do not use it in your everyday routine. Any combination of the first three factors can increase the risk of exposing you to lead. An example would be storing spaghetti with tomato sauce in a lead-containing ceramic dish, then heating it in the same dish in the microwave.
10. How does washing leaded dishes in the dishwasher affect exposure to lead?
If a dish contains lead, using the dishwasher can damage the glazed surface. This can make it more likely to leach lead into food the next time it is used. In addition, in some cases, lead may contaminate other dishes in the dishwasher.
11. Will the lead leach only if there are cracks or chips in the surface?
No. The lead-leaching process can still take place even if the surface is not broken or worn. However, if the surface is chipped, cracked, or worn there may be a greater exposure to lead.
12. Will the level of lead I am exposed to from my dishes increase or decrease over time?
The answer is not the same for all dishes. Under some circumstances, as dishes get older, they may leach more lead into food or drink.
14. What’s the difference between lead-free and lead-safe?
Lead-free tableware contains NO lead.
Lead-safe tableware contains some lead, but the amount of lead that can get into food does not exceed the California Proposition 65 standards. Either there is very little lead in the tableware, or very little of the lead actually passes into food with use.
Thank you, Tamara for continuing to expose xtrema. I wrote a comment to you a while ago telling my story with the owner. China’s waters are extremely polluted. One of the questions I asked him was why does he manufacture in China. He said it was to hard to manufacture in the USA the way they produce their clay. I returned the two expensive teapots.
Thank you for commenting.
T
I bought an extremely expensive Xtrema pan based off a recommendation from Dr Yvonne Burkart PhD. I trusted her, she claims to be a ‘toxicologist mama’ and a ‘consumer advocate’! However, I posted a link to this article on her YouTube video (which was all about how perfect Xtrema are, including affiliate link) and it got instantly deleted. I posted more comments, all instantly deleted. I assume she is an employee. I also emailed Xtrema to request a refund as the pan broke very easily within four days of use but they have not replied. Very depressing, I had heard about being silenced and ignored but now it has happened to me. How can The Little Man stop these fraudulent practices? I just wanted to be healthy but I got conned instead.
Thank you for commenting! We can all just try to spread the word – that’s our best tool for now.
Have you seen my film?
Here’s the link – if not:https://tamararubin.com/2023/01/a-link-to-my-film/
T
Thank you I will watch your film 🙂 I also tried to comment on Jesse Chappus’s YouTube video interviewing Dr Burkart, but it looks like he has also blocked comments containing the word ‘lead’! Why are they knowingly telling us to buy products containing lead?
By the way, after I mentioned this website Xtrema gave me a full refund.
Oh excellent! I am glad you got a refund at least!
T