Tiny Toxic Things

Did you have one of these tiny crystal hearts as a kid? This one is 55% Lead [557,800 ppm!] 100 ppm is unsafe for kids.

Did you have one of these tiny crystal hearts as a kid? This one is 55% Lead [557,800 ppm!] 100 ppm is unsafe for kids.

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When tested with an XRF instrument this vintage (likely c. 1977-1989) crystal heart charm / fidget (it is not a bead, but something someone might hold in their hand or keep in a keepsake box)…. had the following readings: Lead (Pb): 557,800 +/- 77,000 ppm Antimony (Sb): 2,663 +/- 620 ppm Zinc (Zn): 21,100 +/-…

Antique child’s thimble “For A Good Girl”: 839,800 ppm Lead (90 ppm is unsafe for kids) + 139,600 ppm Antimony.

Antique child’s thimble “For A Good Girl”: 839,800 ppm Lead (90 ppm is unsafe for kids) + 139,600 ppm Antimony.

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When tested with an XRF instrument this antique (likely c. 1920-1940) child’s thimble (given as a reward to children who have done a good job with a sewing project!) that has the words “For A Good Girl” on the side…. had the following readings: Lead (Pb): 839,800 +/- 6,000 ppm Antimony (Sb): 139,600 +/- 2,500…

Happy Halloween! Super-Leaded Tiny Pumpkin Bead (lots of Lead CAN come in very small packages!): 17,500 ppm Lead

Happy Halloween! Super-Leaded Tiny Pumpkin Bead (lots of Lead CAN come in very small packages!): 17,500 ppm Lead

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Alternate Title: #AskTamara: What types of beads are safe for my children to play with? 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…