#LowLead

XRF test results for brand new Le Creuset red (“Cerise”) glazed stoneware espresso mug: Positive for Lead & Cadmium (a known carcinogen)

January 2, 2023October 20, 2023

January 2, 2023 — Monday With contributions made by Lead Safe Mama readers (thank you, friends!), I just purchased this little cup (“3 oz Stoneware Espresso Mug“) new (off of Amazon, from the Le Creuset Amazon store — link) to demonstrate to myself (and Lead Safe Mama readers) that the brand Le Creuset is…

#AskTamara: Which mugs are Lead-free? How can I tell if my mug has unsafe levels of Lead? Which mugs do you use?

December 28, 2019April 23, 2024

212 Comments

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…

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup: Positive for 326 ppm Cadmium in the Red Exterior Writing. 75 ppm is illegal in Denmark.

December 28, 2019March 28, 2024

10 Comments

Originally published: December 30, 2016 Updated: December 28, 2019 When tested with an XRF instrument this glass Pyrex measuring cup had the following readings: Lead (Pb): Non-Detect/ND [Negative] Cadmium (Cd): 326 ppm [in the red writing on the outside of the glass.] Sorry – I don’t have any more information about the model number or…

Ask Tamara: What dishes do you use in your home? Which dishes don’t have Lead? Which dishes are Lead-free?

December 28, 2019March 12, 2024

269 Comments

Originally published: December 20, 2016 Updated: December 28, 2019 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…

White Ceramic Ikea 365 Mug, Made in Romania: Lead Safe

November 14, 2018December 15, 2018

10 Comments

White Ceramic Ikea 365 Mug, Made in Romania: Lead Safe When tested with an XRF instrument, the readings on the mug picture here are as follows Lead (Pb): 37 +/- 11 ppm Mercury (Hg): Non-Detect / Negative Cadmium (Cd): Non-Detect / Negative Arsenic (As): Non-Detect / Negative Barium (Ba): 91 +/- 41 ppm Antimony (Sb): Non-Detect / Negative…

#Leaded; 1985 Princess of Power A Most Unpleasant Present Mini Comic Book

August 17, 2018

Tested with an XRF instrument this 1985 “Princess of Power A Most Unpleasant Present” Mini Comic Book was positive for the following elements at the following levels: Cover Lead (Pb): 105 +/- 18 ppm Chromium (Cr): 158 +/- 83 ppm Zinc (Zn): 66 +/- 19 ppm Copper (Cu): 105 +/- 35 ppm Nickel (Ni): 151…

#LeadSafe: 1985 Time Life The Enchanted World Water Spirits Hardcover Book

August 17, 2018January 24, 2020

1985 Time Life The Enchanted World Water Spirits Hardcover Book, all components of the book tested with an XRF. See full XRF readings below. The amount of lead that is considered toxic in a modern item made and intended for use by children is 90 ppm or higher in the paint or coating. All of…

#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…

“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…

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…

2018 purple vintage style Ball jars: 63 ppm Lead (safe by all standards). Personally I avoid the tinted ones.

June 14, 2018March 31, 2021

2 Comments

XRF Test Results for Purple Tinted Ball Brand Canning Jars Published: June 14, 2018 When these new purple ball jars were tested with an XRF instrument they tested positive for a very low level of lead (just a trace and within the realm of what might be considered safe for a modern item intended for…

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…

#LowLead: Kitchen Counter Tile, White Ceramic

June 13, 2018

1 Comment

Kitchen Counter Tiles – “recent” remodel (pre-2007). Tested with a Niton XRF in 2012: 113 ppm lead. These are the tiles in my home, my kitchen counter. To see more tiles I have tested click here.

#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…

#LowLead: Rae Dunn Artisan Collection by Magenta – “Sugar” Container, 2018

June 11, 2018June 11, 2018

2018 Rae Dunn “Sugar” container: Tested with an XRF instrument. Outside: 156 +/- 26 ppm lead (Pb) Inside: 181 +/- 47 ppm lead (Pb) Non-detect for cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). – This is a very low level of lead for a modern ceramic item. That said, I choose lead-free items for my…

#AskTamara: Guess Which of These Four White Glass Lamp Shades Has Lead and How Much!

April 26, 2018April 26, 2018

5 Comments

Please take a look at the four white glass lamp shades below and guess which ones have lead and at what levels! [This is a great “game” to play with your “newly lead-woke” friends!, Answers are posted below the final image.] Click here for more examples of lamps I have tested. Click here for more…

#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…

#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…

#Leaded: Oneida Dark Blue “Petals” Bowl (Year Unknown)

December 30, 2017December 30, 2017

1 Comment

Oneida Petals bowl: 369 ppm lead (Pb) & 26 ppm cadmium (Cd). Tested in 2014. Here’s the mug from this pattern on Amazon. I am sharing this for context (not as a recommendation.) Amazon links are affiliate links (if you purchase something after clicking on my links I may receive a small commission at no extra…