| LEARNLETS |
 |
I've heard that some dishware and types of crystal glassware contain high levels of lead. How can I protect myself and my family from this type of lead exposure? |
|
 |
Most dishware made by well-known manufacturers since 1980 is safe to use with food. Contact the manufacturer of your dishware to verify its safety.
You should be cautious with handmade ceramics, or those purchased from countries that don't have strict consumer protection laws. In particular, tableware that is highly decorated or metallic-coated, or that is an antique or collectable item, should be used with caution. If you don't know the level of lead in your ceramics, it's a good idea to have them tested.
Ordinary glassware is lead-free, but lead is used to make more expensive lead crystal.
To minimize you and your family's risk of exposure to lead from expensive crystal, and ceramics of unknown lead content:
1. Don't use such an item to store foods or beverages. If you use a crystal decanter to serve liquor or wine, pour it from the original bottle into the decanter just before serving.
2. Don't use the item to serve acidic foods or beverages, as these may leach lead out of the item (and into the food) faster than neutral foods will. Tomato-based sauces, salad dressings with vinegar, applesauce, orange and grapefruit juices, tea, and coffee are all acidic.
3. Don't use the item to heat food or beverages.
4. Don't use it everyday, especially if you're pregnant.
5. Don't serve food or beverages to children in such items.
Note: Do not use anyceramics with corroded glaze, or that have a chalky residue on the glaze after washing. These can be very dangerous.
|
|
|
MORE LEARNLETS |
|
|
|
| OTHER 2TORIALS AND LEARNLETS |
 2torials:
|
 Learnlets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
