#LeadSafe

#LeadSafe: 1981 Hardcover Children’s Book, Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People’s Ears

July 21, 2018

Many vintage books have lead in both the covers (in the dyes of the fabric or leather, the printing/ink and in any decorative paints used) and pages (in the ink). While the distinction of the word “vintage” changes as the years pass (“vintage” vs. “new”, vs. “antique”) please remember that 1981 (while it seems like…

#LeadSafe: “Have A Magical Day” Disney Parks Mug

July 21, 2018December 15, 2018

When tested with an XRF instrument this “Made in Thailand” Disney Parks “Have A Magical Day” coffee mug was positive for a very low level of lead (Pb): 68 +/- 32 ppm. It was negative (non-detect/ND) for cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg.) For context: The amount of lead considered toxic in an item…

OXO GoodGrips Silicone Spatula: 27 ppm Lead (in the black rubberized handle.) Considered safe by all standards.

July 13, 2018March 6, 2020

3 Comments

Originally Published: July 13, 2018 Updated: March 6, 2020 OXO GoodGrips Silicone Flexible Turner Spatula This new (in 2018) OXO GoodGrips Silicone Flexible Turner Spatula is lead free in the spatula blade and metal part of the handle when tested with an XRF instrument. It was also negative (ND/ Non-Detect) for cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As)…

“Authentic Original” Disneyland Resort Mug: 129 ppm Lead in the Glaze. This is considered within a safe range.

July 8, 2018February 7, 2019

3 Comments

This “Authentic Original” “Disney Parks” Disneyland Resort (c. 2017) Made In Thailand Mug tested positive for low lead (generally within a safe range for a mug) when tested with an XRF instrument. The reading for the decorative elements on the outside was 129 +/- 32 ppm Lead. Consumer goods are considered unsafe for use by…

Walmart Expert Gardener Light Duty Garden Hose New (2017), Made In USA: 52 ppm Lead. Safe by all standards.

July 8, 2018April 26, 2020

2 Comments

This “Expert Gardener” “Light Duty” garden hose was tested new on the shelf in Walmart in 2017. Only the plastic part of the hose was tested and it was positive for lead (Pb) at 52 parts per million. 52 ppm lead is a relatively low level of lead, but I would still have concerns for…

#LeadFree: Ikea Furniture Hardware Component

July 2, 2018July 2, 2018

This has been a very common question in social media threads recently. I would be happy to test more Ikea hardware components if you would like to send them to me. Please include the year that you got it from Ikea (as without the year it is not as helpful.) For further identification you could…

2017 Walgreens Ceramic Christmas “Not Intended For Children” Santa Mug: 1,657 ppm Cadmium (40 ppm is unsafe)

June 24, 2018May 17, 2024

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…

#LeadSafe: Rae Dunn “Rest” Ceramic Spoon Rest, Artisan Collection by Magenta

June 19, 2018

2 Comments

Rae Dunn “REST” Spoon Rest, Artisan Collection by Magenta. Tested with an XRF instrument in 2018. 89 +/- 21 ppm lead. Considered safe by all standards. Non-detect for cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Here’s an affiliate link* for this product on Amazon. While this is low lead and considered safe by all standards, I…

Modern Homer Laughlin China Fiestaware Christmas Tree Mug, Made In USA: 23 +/- 12 ppm Lead (Safe by all standards)

June 14, 2018January 31, 2020

9 Comments

When tested with an XRF instrument the Christmas tree on this Homer Laughlin Fiestaware “Made In The U.S.A”. mug was non-detect (ND) for Lead (Pb). The Christmas tree area did test positive for cadmium (Cd) at 61 +/- 9 ppm. The bottom of mug was also had the following XRF readings: Lead (Pb): 23 +/- 12…

#LeadSafe: Rae Dunn Artisan Collection by Magenta, “Dreamer” Bowl

June 11, 2018

Rae Dunn Artisan Collection by Magenta – “Dreamer” Bowl: 47 +/- 24 ppm lead. Tested with an XRF instrument . This level of lead is considered safe by all standards. The bowl was also negative (non-detect/ND) for cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). To see more Rae Dunn items that I have tested please click…

#LeadSafe: Rae Dunn Artisan Collection By Magenta – “Be Well” Bowl, Marshall’s

June 11, 2018

2018 Rae Dunn Artisan Collection by Magenta “Be Well” Bowl: 56 +/- 24 ppm lead (Pb). Purchased at Marshall’s. Tested with an XRF instrument. This level of lead is considered safe by all standards. The bowl was also non-detect (ND) for cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). To see more Rae Dunn items that I have…

#LeadSafe: Sur La Table White Ramekin / Custard Cup

April 10, 2018

4 Comments

This Sur La Table White Ramekin (Custard Cup) from their “Every Day Porcelain” line tested negative for lead in the white glazed surface and positive for trace levels of lead (at just 36 ppm) on the unglazed bottom exterior surface. This was purchased new in late 2015/early 2016 and tested in 2016. Testing was done…

Made In Poland – Handmade Ceramic Boleslawiec Mug: 91 ppm Lead, considered safe by all standards.

April 3, 2018December 19, 2023

2 Comments

Handmade in Poland, ceramic Boleslawiec mug. Tested with an XRF instrument. Very low lead (within safe range), between 86 and 91 ppm lead. The amount of lead that is considered toxic in a modern/newly manufactured item intended for children is anything 90 ppm Lead or higher in the paint, glaze or coating – or anything…

#LeadSafe: Plain White Corning Mug

April 3, 2018April 3, 2018

5 Comments

Corning Mug. Year unknown. Tested with an XRF instrument. Positive for lead at 33 parts per million (ppm), +/- 13 ppm. This is considered safe by all standards. The amount of lead that is considered toxic in a modern/newly manufactured item intended for children is anything 90 ppm lead or higher. Mugs are not considered…

#Arsenic: Vintage Popeye & Olive Oyl Baby Rattle

January 22, 2018

When I tested this vintage plastic Popeye and Olive Oyl rattle I was CERTAIN it would be positive for high levels of lead, but I was wrong! No lead at all, not a trace in any component. Unfortunately it does not have a year of manufacture or maker’s mark on it, but based on other…

#LeadSafe: Vintage “Crown Corning” White Ceramic Plate, Made in Japan

January 21, 2018January 21, 2018

2 Comments

This vintage made in Japan “Crown Corning” brand white ceramic plate tested positive for lead when tested with an XRF instrument at 46 ppm lead. Tested in 2014. Year of manufacture unknown. In 2018 the amount of lead that is considered toxic in a modern/newly manufactured item intended for children is 90 ppm lead (or…

#LeadSafeSmoking, 420 friendly: Are you smoking Lead, Cadmium & other toxicants?

January 7, 2018April 24, 2023

10 Comments

This post was originally written on January 7, 2018 As with much of my work, it’s not any fun being “prophetic” about dangers in certain things (mentioned in light of the current October 2019 “epidemic” of vaping-related injuries and deaths). Now that cannabis is legal in several states (is the count currently up to 18?),…

#LeadSafe: Pfaltzgraff Dish, Made In USA

December 24, 2017December 24, 2017

28 Comments

This Pfaltzgraff, Made in the USA dish (age unknown, pattern name unknown, tested in 2014) tested positive for lead at 60 parts per million (ppm) when tested with an XRF instrument. This level of lead is considered safe by all standards, American and European. The amount of lead that is considered toxic in the paint…

#LeadSafe: Crock Pot brand glazed ceramic liner: 42 ppm Lead (safe by all standards…but still not something I recommend.)

December 19, 2017April 14, 2019

3 Comments

This Crock-Pot brand stoneware / black glazed ceramic liner was positive for lead at 42 parts per million (ppm). [Tested in July of 2014, exact year of manufacture unknown.]. This is a level that is considered safe by all standards (United States and European.) It has also likely been leach-tested. That said I would personally…

#LeadSafe: Rival Brand Crock Pot Ceramic Liner

December 19, 2017December 19, 2017

2 Comments

This Rival brand Crock-Pot stoneware / ceramic liner was positive for lead at 37 parts per million (ppm). [Tested in 2014, exact year of manufacture unknown.]. This is a level that is considered safe by all standards (United States and European.) It has also likely been leach-tested. That said I would personally not be comfortable…

Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go Crock Pot White Painted Logo On Glass Lid: 9,866 ppm Lead

December 19, 2017January 6, 2019

6 Comments

This ceramic crock pot liner and lid is from a Hamilton Beach “Stay or Go” model crock pot / slow cooker. The black ceramic component (the liner / vessel that holds the food) tested negative for lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic when tested with an XRF instrument. The white writing on the lid (the logo…

#LeadFree: 1973 Vintage Fisher Price Circus Train

December 16, 2017August 5, 2018

2 Comments

Vintage 1973 Plastic Fisher Price Circus Train. Tested with an XRF instrument. All components were non-detect for lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg.). The white plastic component of this toy is positive for cadmium at 43 +/- 10 ppm. Here’s more info about cadmium. Here is a modern version of a similar toy on…

#LeadFree: Melissa & Doug Latches Activity Board (Link)

December 13, 2017December 6, 2020

I have tested this “Latches Board” by Melissa & Doug with an XRF instrument and found all components to be lead-free! This is a great example of how brass does not have to contain lead (even though most brass does!) This toy is a terrific choice for your little ones looking to explore latches and…

#LeadSafe: 2012 White Square Crate & Barrel Dishes

December 6, 2017April 10, 2018

2 Comments

2012 Crate & Barrel, Square Pattern Dishes, Made In China. Small white plate: 49 +/- 14 ppm lead. Medium white plate: 85 +/- 17 ppm lead. Large white plate: 110 +/- 21 ppm lead. White bowl: 57 +/- 14 ppm lead. Mug: 82 +/- 18 ppm lead. Glass: ND 4 all. Here’s a link to…