May 27, 2023 — Saturday
Shared on social media just now
I have used this brand of popsicle mold for my children (Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3BWRcDB). While all the examples from this brand that I have tested have consistently tested negative for Lead (most modern silicone is Lead-free with few exceptions), silicone from nearly all brands/manufacturers (for all types of silicone products) often tests positive for trace levels of Cadmium.
By trace levels, we mean the levels are so low that they indicate the Cadmium is not an intentionally-added ingredient to the product but is a trace contaminant in one or more of the other ingredients used in manufacturing. This means it is present at levels that are considered very low and safe by all current standards for consumer goods (usually in the 10 to 25 ppm range). Cadmium is a known carcinogen.
Please do not buy off-brand silicone popsicle mold products (or other off-brand silicone products) as many off-brand silicone products do test positive for Lead and/or Cadmium at levels that far exceed safety standards. Here’s one example of an off-brand silicone product with unsafe levels of Cadmium.
I don’t have concerns about toxicant exposure (specifically, Cadmium-exposure) with silicone products from this brand (when used for making popsicles specifically), given:
- how infrequently we (my family — personally) use popsicle molds, and
- that these are typically used for short-term freezing (in our family popsicles generally get gobbled up within 24 hours if they even last that long!) and
- that they are not used for cooking hot foods.
Moreover, my kids tend to use them more often than not with just plain water — to make funny-shaped ice cubes (not with acidic liquids, like juice). We own several different sets from this brand (both the plastic and silicone ones):
1. https://amzn.to/3q66TFE
2. Plastic, not silicone: https://amzn.to/3WBRitG
3. https://amzn.to/3C3N0BK
4. Plastic, not silicone: https://amzn.to/3MBClDm
Here’s the aflink to the full Tovolo store with several other choices: https://amzn.to/42d3IJA
Amazon links are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking on one of our affiliate links, Lead Safe Mama, LLC may receive a percentage of what you spend at no extra cost to you.
Emily says
Hi Tamara,
Are you currently accepting items for testing? I would like to send in one item to be tested (and not returned).
Let me know!
Thank you for all of your dedication.
Tamara says
Yes
Emily says
Yay! Is there a form I should fill out? Or is reaching out via email easiest?
Tamara says
Details here (thanks for asking!) https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/can-i-send-in-one-of-my-dishes-or-other-items-to-test-for-lead-yes-maybe-but-read-this-first-thanks/
Tina Marie Lindenmoyer says
Are any of the Ecozoi or Onyx stainless steel popsicle molds safe?
Ivy says
Also curious about these stainless steel brands. Thank you.
Gabriel says
I bought some stainless steel popsicle molds from Amazon. Any thoughts?
Chasgo Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds, Set of 12 Homemade Matel Popsicle Maker Molds, Stainless Ice Lolly Pop Molds with 150 Bamboo Sticks + 20 Pop Bags + Clean Brush https://a.co/d/cirazYe
Italia Millan says
Hi Tamara,
Does the Tovolo plastic popsicle mold have trace amounts of cadmium too?