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Ceramic and glassware items are
often decorated and fired with imprints containing heavy metals.
These imprints (glass frits) are fired at high temperatures (ranging
from 1050º - 1420º Fahrenheit)
to ensure they are permanently fused into the ware surface.
Among the substances historically used are certain metals, such as
lead and cadmium. These have come under
examination in relation to negative health and environmental
impacts.
(Lead-Free
decals are now available)
In recent years, much has been said about the use of
heavy metals, including lead, in a broad range of products. The
subject emerges from time to time in the mainstream media, as the
popular, national press has reported on laws and regulations
impacting on the use of lead in glass and ceramic products. Certain
media elements have also attempted on occasion to "sensationalize"
reports of lead in consumer products. Some groups, lacking in
knowledge of all the facts, unnecessarily alarm the public.
Unfortunately, sometimes this can result in
confusion for those who purchase such items. Some individuals
believe certain requirements apply to particular items when they do
not apply; or that everything must be "bad" if there is any lead at
all on the product. In fact, there are no known cases of
commercially produced glass and ceramic ware purchased making anyone sick. Please note
this is for informational purpose only, be aware that laws
and standards change and vary from states to
provinces. The laws and standards generally
apply to products intended for food use. To
protect yourself and your clients, please check your local or
regional standards.
Please note that we cannot take
responsibility for the lead and cadmium levels of the ceramic/glass decals
when fired. Unless otherwise stated please DO NOT
decorate on surfaces that come in contact with food or drink.
If decals are used on food-bearing surfaces,
we recommend that the products be tested to comply with FDA
and state rules.
Regulations Amending the Hazardous Products (Glazed Ceramics
and Glassware
Here are some helpful links for up to date legislative updates
and information:
- The Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorators: Heavy
Metals Limits (pdf)
- Canada Gazette:
Regulations Glazed Ceramics and Glassware
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=109.16
- California - Office of Environmental
Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA):
http://www.oehha.org/prop65.html
Businesses are responsible for providing clear and reasonable
warnings.
Proposition 65 FAQ
The form, content and suggested language for some Proposition 65
warnings can be found in regulation in Title 22, Cal. Code of
Regulations, Section 12601:
http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/law/pdf_zip/RegsArt6.pdf
Food and Drug Administration
(refer to FDA for complete information)
Ceramic Foodware :
In November
1991, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced revised
standards for
lead and
cadmium leaching from the
food contact surface of ceramic foodware. These standards set the
maximum level of leaching. The standards are contained in FDA's
Compliance Policy Guide and have not been issued by FDA as formal
regulations. We note that they apply only to the food contact
surface. These limits are not applicable to non-food contact areas
such as the outside of a mug or canister.
Lip and Rim Area:
A voluntary industry standard limits the amount of lead
and cadmium leaching from the top 20 mm of the outside of a ceramic
 cup,
mug, or drinking glass. The limits are not more than 4ppm of lead
and not more than .4ppm for cadmium. The standard does not apply to
ceramic or glass ware that have less than 60 mm of decorating area
below the rim and which is not intended for usage by children.
Ceramic Decorative Ware:
A regulation requires proper
labelling of decorative ceramic and glass ware
containing heavy metals. These requirements include a clearly
visible sticker warning of the poisoning potential on the top of the
piece,
a similar, permanent label on the bottom, and may
sometimes include altering the piece to ensure
it cannot be
used to prepare, hold, or serve food. (details at
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=109.16 )
1) Printed Label: "Not for Food Use. May Poison Food," "Not for
Food Use. Glaze contains lead. Food Use May Result in Lead
Poisoning," and "Not for Food Use--Food Consumed from this Vessel
May be Harmful,"
2) A hole is bored through the potential
food-contact surface.
3) A symbol may be used to advise that a piece of ornamental
or decorative ceramicware is not to be used with food, as
illustrated below
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