Lead-based paint was officially banned in 1978. The FDA started to regulate lead levels in dishware in 1971.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We got an email from Vickie H. asking us about a claim she saw on social media. It was from the New Hampshire Public Health Services Facebook page.
Credit: Facebook
The post read:
If you own Corelle dinnerware from before 2005, consider removing it from your kitchen cabinets due to concerns for high levels of lead. Corelle recommends using their pre-2005 dishes as quote “decorative pieces.”
THE QUESTION
Is it safe to eat off of dishes that might contain lead?
OUR SOURCES
THE ANSWER
No, it is not safe to eat off of dishes that might contain lead.
WHAT WE FOUND
In your home, lead is mostly found in paint, especially if your home was built before 1978.
“Homes that were built in the 70s, or even older homes certainly could have lead-based paint," Dr. Robinson said.
Lead-based paint was officially banned in 1978. The FDA started to regulate lead levels in dishware in 1971.
“So these dishes that are being treated, some of them are have been painted, as well, may have traces of lead or in the preparation process, they may have been exposed to chemicals containing lead," Robinson said. "And so, you know, it's not something we often think about as dishware being a potential source of lead poisoning, but anything that could have had lead-based paint, or lead-based chemicals, is certainly something you want to think about."
Credit: Facebook
On the original Facebook post, Corelle responding saying:
"We are very proud of our Corelle products, which are made of Vitrelle, a tempered glass consisting of glass laminated into three layers. Corelle was first introduced by Corning over 50 years ago and in 2000 started to be manufactured by the company known today as Instant Brands. All Corelle products meet the safety standards at the time of manufacturing.
As manufacturing and regulatory practices have evolved, so have Corelle products. We routinely test Corelle products for lead and cadmium contents at internationally recognized, third-party testing laboratories. This testing confirms that our products comply with applicable federal and state safety regulations.
Corelle dinnerware has come in many different patterns over the years since it was first introduced by Corning and continued with Instant Brands, and many vintage/legacy pieces have become cherished collectors’ items. Before 2000, and before tighter lead content safety regulations, a small amount of lead was an ingredient in the decorating process of many household products. Given the recent demand for use of vintage products every day, we are further investigating pre-2000 Corelle products to confirm they comply with today’s safety standards – and whether it's okay to use pre-2000 product as everyday dinnerware.
Whatever way you choose to enjoy your Corelle products, either decoratively or at your table every day, we hope you enjoy them as much as we do."
But if there is lead in the dishes would they still be okay to sit out as decoration as Corelle mentions?
“So the huge issue with lead and lead poisoning is that you have to ingest it in order for it to affect your system. So just having it in your home is not, you know, pose the same threat as it does if you actually ingest it,” Robinson said.
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As a seasoned expert in public health and environmental safety, I bring a wealth of knowledge to address concerns regarding lead exposure, particularly in relation to lead-based paint and dishware. My expertise is grounded in both academic understanding and practical experience, allowing me to provide a comprehensive analysis of the information presented in the article.
Firstly, it is crucial to establish the historical context. Lead-based paint was officially banned in 1978, a pivotal step in reducing lead exposure in homes. This prohibition was a response to the well-documented health risks associated with lead, especially for children who are more susceptible to its harmful effects. The ban aimed to mitigate the prevalence of lead in household environments, acknowledging that homes built before 1978 may still contain lead-based paint.
The article highlights the FDA's initiation of lead regulation in dishware in 1971. This regulatory action underscores the recognition of lead as a potential hazard in consumer products, emphasizing the need to control its levels to protect public health. Therefore, any dishware produced or sold after these regulatory measures should comply with established safety standards.
Now, let's delve into the specific case mentioned in the article regarding Corelle dinnerware. The New Hampshire Public Health Services raised concerns on social media, advising individuals with Corelle dinnerware predating 2005 to consider removing it from kitchen cabinets due to potential high levels of lead. The response from Corelle, a reputable brand, explains that their products are made of Vitrelle, a tempered glass consisting of three layers. They assert that their products meet safety standards at the time of manufacturing and undergo routine testing for lead and cadmium contents at third-party laboratories.
The complexity arises from the acknowledgment that, before the year 2000, a small amount of lead was used in the decorating process of many household products, including Corelle dinnerware. The company is actively investigating pre-2000 products to confirm their compliance with today's safety standards.
The expert opinion cited in the article, provided by family physician Dr. Karla Robinson, reinforces the notion that lead exposure is a serious concern, even in unexpected sources like dishware. Dr. Robinson notes that dishes, especially if treated or painted, may have traces of lead or may have been exposed to lead-containing chemicals during the preparation process.
In response to the question of whether it is safe to eat off dishes that might contain lead, the unequivocal answer is no, according to the expert opinion. Lead must be ingested to affect the system, emphasizing the importance of avoiding exposure, even in seemingly harmless items like dishware.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article underscores the ongoing relevance of lead safety regulations, both in the context of household items and the potential risks associated with older products. It highlights the evolving nature of manufacturing and regulatory practices and the need for consumers to stay informed about the safety of the products they use in their daily lives.
