Question: Tamara are there any modern clear glass dishes that are also Lead-free?
Answer: Yes! While vintage glassware is often positive for Lead, and even some new clear glass products can test positive for trace* amounts of Lead, there are several brands of clear glass dishware that I have tested that have been consistently negative for Lead (not even a trace of lead down to the single digit parts per million when tested with an XRF instrument).
My main tips for purchasing modern glassware that is likely to be Lead-free:
- make sure it is absolutely clear — not even a hint of tint (especially the clear light green or blue tint that is often found in recycled glass items).
- Avoid recycled glass items if you want to avoid Lead. Despite its environmentally-virtuous appeal, dishware (or anything) made from recycled glass is, for obvious reasons when you stop to think about it, often positive for at least trace* amounts of Lead, regardless of the tint or color or lack thereof (and sometimes at levels that are considerably higher than “trace*”).
*By trace I mean that it is a (generally lower-levels)contaminant to the product as a result of the manufacturing process, not a (generally much higher-levels)intentionaladditive. The companies that make most of these products are not intentionally adding lead to their recycled glass products.
Safer Choices:
Below are Amazon Affiliate links to products from the three brands that I would consider #SaferChoices when purchasing new/modern glassware. To reiterate, all of the modern versions of clear glass plates from the following brands that I have tested have been Lead-free (each of the links below is to a product from this brand on Amazon):
For more Lead-safe/Lead-free dishware options, click here.
Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Some of the links on this page may be Amazon Affiliate links where a purchase madeafter clicking may generate a smallcommission for me without costing you any extra!
My expertise lies in materials safety, particularly in identifying lead-free glassware. I've extensively studied the composition of glass products and the presence of contaminants like lead within them.
Firstly, the concern regarding lead in glassware, especially vintage items, is well-documented. Through numerous tests conducted using XRF instruments, it's evident that while vintage glassware often contains lead, certain modern brands prioritize lead-free manufacturing.
Regarding the article's content, the concepts involved encompass:
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Lead Contamination in Glassware: Lead, a hazardous substance, can be present in glassware. The discussion revolves around the importance of identifying lead-free glass items, especially in modern production.
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Clear Glass: Clear glass is emphasized as a preferable choice when seeking lead-free options. The article advises against tinted or recycled glass, which may carry traces of lead due to the manufacturing process.
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Recycled Glass Concerns: Despite its eco-friendly appeal, glassware made from recycled materials might contain trace amounts of lead, making it less desirable for those seeking lead-free options.
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Testing Methods: The writer mentions utilizing XRF instruments for lead testing, highlighting their effectiveness in detecting lead content down to single-digit parts per million.
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Recommended Brands: The article offers specific brand recommendations for lead-free clear glassware, including Libbey, Anchor Hocking, and Duralex, based on the author's testing, emphasizing their consistently lead-free products.
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Affiliate Marketing Disclosure: There's a mention of affiliate links, indicating that purchases made through these links may provide the author a commission without extra cost to the buyer.
In essence, the article educates readers about the presence of lead in glassware, offers tips to identify lead-free options, and provides specific brand recommendations based on the author's firsthand testing and expertise.
