Kitchen

[Mz iMac]

@Desert Lily   You're a published author?

[Kachina624]

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@Desert Lily wrote:

Cadmium (a toxic carcinogenic) has also been used in glazes.

I think there are websites that tell the chemicals used in particular dishes & accessories.

@Kachina624  In one of my novels, I had a character that accidentally made several people ill because he had way too much cadmium in beer steins he had produced lol.

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@Desert Lily. I believe cadmium is yellow.  I don't think I ever had anything yellow in my kitchen.

[PhilaLady1]

I've made it this far in life without being overly concerned with many things. I don't expect to live forever anyway.

[SilleeMee]

We probably get more lead from the air we breathe than from pots/pans or dishes we use.

[Sooner]

Lots of dishes, not just very old ones, have high lead content in the glazes from what I have read.  Brands like Lenox and Wedgwood, etc.  

Cracks form in the glaze, even ones you can't see, and can be an issue--especially in things like teapots used often.  Then there is lead crystal such as Waterford.

[NYCLatinaMe]

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@Mz iMac wrote:

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@idiotshopper wrote:

 I've read lately NO PLASTIC is safe for the microwave. 

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@idiotshopper   Care to share your source?

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@Mz iMac @idiotshopper 

I read the same, but decided not to fret over, just minimize.  NY Times "Microplastics Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Avoid Eating Them."  April 21, 2025.  I just googled to find the article and found another piece, this one from Bon Appetit, literally entitled "Definitely Do Not Put Plastic in the Microwave" from September 16, 2023.  The black plastic, from several sources, do not use in food at all was the guidance.  Many of my cooking utensils are black and they went in the trash.  I do eat out a lot, so I am guessing I am getting some exposure.  So I just minimize it. Use glass and I get Biodegradable Heavy Duty Paper Plates, Made of Natural Sugarcane Fibers, Unbleached, from Amazon that are microwavable for when I don't want to clean.  I still buy products with plastic wraps and use ziploc bags because it's hard.

[Wildhorses14]

Awhile ago I had done the same thing and switched to primarily glass storage containers, still with plastic lids (Pyrex). Plus I use Corelle or Lenox dishes.  I had called and asked some company about lead and was told that there is a limit that is allowed and it is better to just get plain dishes. Plus for glasses you can sometimes tap on them to help determine if there is lead. There are lots of mystery medals in bowls or other items too including pet bowls. Basis pet company makes great stainless pet bowls and tests for lead, cadmium and mercury. 

[faeriemoon]

Regarding glaze on dishes, this was a huge issue at least twenty or so years ago when there was a big concern about OLDER Fiestaware.  Apparently there was lead in the glaze and people were instructed not to use it.  At that time people were warned to look for safety disclaimers on their dinnerware stating that it was fully vitrified and lead-free, and also warned to be wary of products from China.

Since that time Fiestaware still clearly states that their product is vitrified and safe, because people want to be confident that the dishes they are using are not harmful.

[branny]

omg. Trying too keep up with everything is too much already. I'm still hoping I survive this hurricane season.