#AskTamara Question: Is there lead in my sex toys? [I get this question ALL THE TIME! LOL!] Answer: As with most things (when it comes to lead) the most important factor in determining if your sex-toys might have lead (or other heavy metals or toxicants) is when they were manufactured! [When as in “which century” or […]
#AskTamara Question: Do you recommend Corning Visionware? Answer: No. Ok, while I could leave it at that I will elaborate. First I have to address the fact that several people have confused me with other bloggers who DO recommend Corning Visionware, and I specifically have not ever recommended this product personally — because I have […]
This is a set of Bauer Vintage Celadon Pottery, Made In Los Angeles and purchased at an antique store in Portland, Oregon in 2017. When tested with an XRF instrument each of the pieces tested positive for the elements at the levels shown below. Note: the lead levels below are VERY HIGH, and I would […]
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 […]
When this Franciscan Desert Rose Earthenware China (Made in the USA, c. 1941 and later) was tested with an XRF instrument it came in at 122,200 +/- 5,000 ppm lead. It is negative for Cd (cadmium), As (arsenic) and Hg (mercury), however that is one heck of a lot of lead to be found in […]
This is a Franciscan Potteries vintage “Ivy” pattern serving tray that I got at the Good Will Bins a while back (to add to my “Museum of Lead” collection!) The interesting thing about glazes (especially on pieces that are handmade or hand-painted) is that the levels of lead can vary significantly across the surface of […]
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). It did test positive for cadmium (Cd) at 61 +/- 9 ppm. The bottom of mug was also positive for low levels of lead and cadmium: Pb: 23 +/- 12 ppm […]
Vintage Pyrex Spring Blossom Green Cups: The dark green/almost black paint on these mugs tested positive for the following elements at the following levels (with a one-minute test, using an XRF instrument): Lead (Pb): 39,300 +/- 1,600 ppm Cadmium (Cd): 833 +/- 61 ppm Arsenic (As): ND Mercury (Hg): ND Platinum (Pt): 1,017 +/- 264 […]
I originally shared this in October of 2013, but given how much we have learned about dishware and lead since then, I thought it was an important one to re-share! I have quite a few friends in Wisconsin and have been invited several times to present to groups there (including presentations in Milwaukee, Madison and […]
Your grandmother had these, didn’t she? These butterfly pattern vintage “Corelle by Corning” (Made in New York) bowls tested positive for lead at 23,300 ppm when tested with an XRF instrument. The amount of lead that is considered toxic in an item intended for children (when tested with an XRF instrument) is anything 90 ppm […]
