How to Choose Nontoxic Lead-Free Mugs

kitchen Sep 06, 2018

by editorial team and Sophia Ruan Gushée

 

Ceramic mugs can be nontoxic as long as the mug doesn’t contain high levels of lead.

Conventional mugs are often made of ceramic or pottery, and they can contaminate your beverages with lead, primarily from the finish or glaze on the mug. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration received reports that several manufacturers in Mexico labeled pottery as “lead-free,” but testing revealed high lead levels. According to the FDA, “If the pottery is not manufactured properly, this lead can leach into food and drink that is prepared, stored, or served in the dishes.”

Some ceramic and clay pottery manufacturers choose lead-free glazes, but then they use kilns that previously fired leaded glazes. The lead from prior use can attach to the lead-free glaze, and contaminate food and beverages.

Health problems associated with exposures from contaminants in some mugs

While lead is toxic for people of all ages, certain demographics are much more vulnerable to the potential damaging effects of lead exposure. Generally, the younger the life, the more protection is needed. So pregnant moms and parents of young children should take extra precautions. 

Exposures to higher levels of heavy metals, including lead, may contribute to learning disabilities, behavior problems, and anemia. The FDA states, “A child with lead poisoning may not look or act sick.” It advises that if you see the following behaviors in children, talk to your physician about having their blood tested for lead levels:  

  • learning disabilities
  • developmental delays
  • lower IQ scores

What are the nontoxic options?

While stainless steel and glass or great nontoxic options, if you're looking for ceramic or pottery, then lead-free ceramic or clay mugs can be a fine nontoxic option for mugs. Ceramic and clay can be among the least toxic materials available.

The primary concern is with lead glazes that are sometimes used to coat the mug, and the kiln that is used for firing. Mugs made in the early 1900’s and prior often contain more lead since lead standards were not in place at that time. 

What should we look for in a nontoxic mug?

Besides stainless steel and glass, nontoxic mugs can include those made of ceramic or clay and that are finished with a glaze that’s “lead-free.”  In addition, when choosing nontoxic pottery mugs, consider these tips from the U.S. FDA:

  • avoid using antique mugs for drinking
  • avoid damaged or cracked mugs
  • purchase from reliable manufacturers
  • buy mugs made of lead-free glaze and fired in a kiln that has not had lead glazes fired in it
  • avoid orange, red, yellow coloring on mugs, as they typically contain higher lead levels in their pigments

Also, purchasing mugs from commercial companies that manufacture mugs for everyday use may reduce the risk of lead contamination.

Conclusion

Ceramic or clay mugs can be a good nontoxic mug option as long as the mug is lead-free. Foreign manufacturers sometimes label ceramic mugs as “lead-free,” but have been found to have high levels of lead. This can happen when lead-free glaze is used, but the mug is fired in a kiln that was previously used to fire leaded products. When choosing nontoxic mugs, consider purchasing mugs from commercial manufacturing companies that make everyday dishware, avoid using antique or damaged mugs, and avoid mugs colored with orange, red or yellow pigments.

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About Ruan Living

Ruan Living simplifies a nontoxic lifestyle through its Practical Nontoxic Living podcast, free detox workshops, online D-Tox Academy, and transformative 40-Day Home Detox. It aims to help you avoid toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from what you buy, own, and do— without compromising your joy and convenience. Ruan was founded by Sophia Ruan Gushée, author of the bestselling critically acclaimed book A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Your Toxic Exposures and several detox workbooks. A graduate of Brown University and Columbia Business School, Sophia has served on the Brown University School of Public Health Advisory Council and Well+Good Council. A popular nontoxic living speaker, consultant, and teacher, Sophia lives in New York City with her husband and three daughters. Her passion for empowering others to enjoy nontoxic living began with the birth of her first daughter in 2007. Everything she creates is a love letter to her children and for the healthiest, brightest future possible. You can learn more here: Sophia’s Impact.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. This information is provided “as is” without warranty.

It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. We do not offer medical advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other opinion on your conditions or treatment options. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Ruan Living.

In no event will Sophia Ruan Gushee or Ruan Living be liable for any damages or loss of any kind resulting from the use of this website. Anyone relying upon or making use of the information on this website does so at his or her own risk.

Some of the services and products recommended on this website provide compensation to Sophia Ruan Gushee or Ruan Living. All recommendations are based foremost upon an honest belief that the product, service, or site will benefit our site visitors in some way.  

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