Toxic Lead In Decorated Drinking Glasses
photo credit: www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/drinking-glasses-are-loaded-with-cadmium-and-lead/
TOXIC LEAD IN DECORATED DRINKING GLASSES
Glass has been known to be the safest material to store food. I store all my food in glass.
However, lead and cadmium are found in glass when it is colored or painted with decorations.
Flakes of paint often come off, which could be ingested over a prolonged period and prove hazardous for human health.
Lead, even at low levels in the bloodstream, can cause irreversible damage to a child’s developing nervous system and brain, including lowered IQ and hyperactivity.
“Dr Andrew Turner of the University of Plymouth, UK tested a range of glass products used for storing liquids, both new and second hand. These included tumblers, beer glasses, wine glasses, and jars. More than 70 percent of the 72 products tested contained lead. Almost as many had cadmium.”(1)
photo credit: High levels of migratable lead and cadmium on decorated drinking glassware
Tamara Rubin, the founder of the Lead Safe America Foundation, and also Lead Safe Mama, tested blue Ball mason jars and found some lead in them. However, she found that Ball is the most consistently lead-free brand. It’s best to use only clear plain glass when using mason jars.
There are different types of glass material. Usually, soda lime glass or borosilicate glass is used in most glassware.
Many companies choose to use soda-lime glass for their glass products because it is less expensive and readily available. But borosilicate glass is much better.
Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate glass is produced mainly using silica and boron oxide. It is resistant to thermal shock more than other kinds of common glass.
It can go from freezer to oven and back again. It is also harder, stronger, more durable and also more resistant to acid solutions than soda lime glass.
When using borosilicate glass the liquid inside remains pure, and because borosilicate glass has low solubility, it keeps your beverage free from contamination.
Borosilicate glass is far superior to regular glass.
Leaded Crystal
Normally, lead is not put into the glass as an ingredient to make a glass product. The only glass product that is made of lead is leaded crystal.
It is a kind of glass that contains lead oxide. This means that lead glass has a more reflective appearance than traditional glass. Leaded crystal is dangerous since it can leach large amount of lead.
Plain and clear glass would be the best option. I use and recommend these Lead Free Dishes.
The information here is provided for informational purposes only. It is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. It is in no way intended to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. (Read more)