Okay. I bought a mug at a concert 9my favorite artist) and it has a warning label that it may contain lead. Now, I am aware of the harm that lead can cause on children, the health effects, etc etc...but really (an expert advice) ....How bad is it for adults. I don't drink coffee everyday but I would like to use it once in a while. Can I? or is too risky for adults as well? The mug only has paint on the outside...and its galzed as well.
heLP!!
Anonymous
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I agree with Noccie... And besides... If its a keep sake why use it every day and ware it out. Display it proudly !!!
As for you health if you wanted to use it everyday... It would have to have HUGE amounts of lead in the ceramic or glaze ...... AND !!! ...... that lead would have to "leach able" to be harmful to you
I have a mug that tests 50 times the HUD / EPA limit (as measured with XRF analyzer). The lead is in the glaze. ........ BUT !!! ...... the glaze was fired properly so the lead is not "leach able" (I like to show off to my students)
The key word is "leach able" lead. If you simply MUST use it for coffee (what a show off) read below for my stock answer.........
DISHES:
The quickest / easiest way to test dishware is to use a product called "Lead Check". They are small white tubes that deliver a chemical (sodium rodizinate) to the surface.
If there is leach-able lead it will turn color (pink or red). Which means it should never be used to serve food or drink.
HINT: They cost about $3.00 each BUT !!! (Lead Check hates me to teach this) ... There are 5 to 7 drops in each tube. If you use a clean dry cotton swab on each item, you can get 5 to 7 tests.
There can be HUGE amounts of lead in the base material of the paint or the glaze but if its not LEACH ABLE its not a problem.
I carry "lead-checks" with me all the time so I can help folks out. If you want to send me the mug I'll test it for you free. I'll shoot it with an XRF (a $15,000 instrument) and do a leach test.
For more info please read http://home.mindspring.com/~wrltc/lswp.pdf A book I wrote for parents doing re-modeling or having it done. And lead issues in general. It was paid for by a fed/state grant. Which means its your book as much as mine. Education about this subject is my job.
Jeanie
Unless the inside of the mug is glazed on the inside it could pose a serious health risk if you drink from it. Sorry
steffi
when you consider that I artwork contained in the environmental field, see you later as inspite of that is isn't used for eating or eating, you're nice. they purely ought to admit that lead develop into used to make area of the suspenders. you gained't have any difficulty except you chew on the metal area, so do not attempt this.
Noccie
lead is bad for adults too, I'd be hesitant to drink from it. Put it on your desk with pencils in it or use it for some other decorative purpose.
Anonymous
China Man is big fan of lead. It adding flavors...