These plates have warnings issued according to California Proposition 65, meaning that they do contain lead. Can it get into my system by just handling them? The boxes have the warning, but not the plates, cups, or bowls themselves. They are not for sale in California only. I am in Michigan. It kinda worries me. California has really strict laws about lead content, why doesn't the rest of the country have them? My store, a major dollar store chain sells these all the time. Why can't they warn people about the possible lead content? Scary isn't it? Please if anybody can seriously answer this let me know. Thank you ahead of time.
2007-02-20 11:24:59 · 6 answers · asked by looloo1122 5 in Environment
Lead has no business in ceramics that are going to be used by people for food! Because lead is toxic at very low levels and is cumulative, California wisely banned lead in ceramics. Children are particularly susceptible (first link below). We had friends who's daughter got lead poisoning from bathing in an antique claw-foot bathtub with lead porcelain! A few chips of lead-based paint eaten by a small child is enough to cause damage. You should try to talk to your store manager about this and maybe wear gloves. I could find no information about your specific situation, but the rule should be "zero exposure". I think this would be a good topic for you to discuss with the Center for Disease Control. (www.cdc.gov) The second link below is the CDC "contact us" page. They are the experts.
2007-02-20 11:53:05 · answer #1 · answered by gordon B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many laws are an overkill by overzealous lawmakers. Dishes with lead in the paint have been around for a long time and will be for many years to come. It's baked into the plate and if there was a problem with this millions of us would have lead poisoning by now. If you put a plate of food in the microwave and the plate gets warm before the food does it has lead in it. The biggest problem is from ingesting lead. Paint chips from older homes is a big contributor to this. Another big one is when people solder and have their face close to their work and breath the fumes from the melting lead and resin. Handling the plates should pose no threat.
2007-02-20 11:38:33 · answer #2 · answered by normy in garden city 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can get lead from handling objects containing lead. Especially if those dishes were glazed with lead. The glaze will deteriorate, and can get into your system through hand-to-mouth contact.
Many states have not had high incident numbers involving lead, so they are behind the curve in implementing anti-lead legislation. The reason your store might not be forced to tell consumers about the lead products is because the above-mentioned anti-lead legislation has not been enacted in your area, or the company might not follow guidelines that are in place.
2007-02-20 11:39:21 · answer #3 · answered by txofficer2005 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should check both your personal issue and your concern about public safety with the local office of the EPA - Environmental Protection Agency.
While I think the risk to you is small, don't roll the dice with your life or well being at stake.
2007-02-20 11:45:03 · answer #4 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is more than likely safe by handling; they are sold for purpose of food containment. as with asbestos it is lethal when in dust form and ingested thre the lungs. You should be OK but it is always safe too check further.
2007-02-20 11:45:51 · answer #5 · answered by #1 saints fan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
perhaps you may
2007-02-20 12:00:06 · answer #6 · answered by neongreensugar 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋