Lead Crystal Glassware: Is It A Health Risk? Reason to Use Lead Crystal

Source: Dazzler1308, cc-by-3.0, flickr

Crystal glassware is beautiful, but the lead that may be found in some older glassware might lead to concerns regarding the health risks. The art deco style of Rene Lalique glassware is stunning, but worries related to the health risks of using those glasses may make it easier to hesitate before making a purchase. By understanding the risks, it is easier to finalize a decision regarding any crystal glassware for the home.

Reason to Use Lead

Lead crystal glassware is not a new concept. The lead is used instead of calcium deposits in the process of making glass for two main reasons: the ability to cut the glassware easily and the shine that develops after cutting the crystal.

When Rene Lalique, a popular glasswork and jewelry artist, created his pieces of art, it was not uncommon for lead to be part of the process. Antique crystal and other glasswork from the early 1900s may contain lead to improve the appearance of the final work of art.

Safety Impact

Due to cases of lead poisoning, authorities looked into potential causes and places where lead may end up in food, beverages and other items. Testing crystal glassware showed a surprising and worrisome trend. Lead may leak into beverages that are stored in crystal glassware.

When authorities discovered that lead was leaking into beverages, they did further testing to determine how long it would take and potential solutions to reduce the risks. Although testing did show that lead could bleed into a beverage, it was determine that it is safe to use lead crystal glasses and glassware as long as certain precautions are taken.

Reducing the Risk

Antique crystal glassware may contain lead, so it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of lead poisoning by ensuring that the lead does not have time to leak into the glassware.

Clean the glassware thoroughly before placing any item in the glass. Never use an uncleansed or dirty glass. If the glass has been sitting in storage, then clean it well before use.

The way that the lead leaks into beverages is through the glass. It gradually leaks into the drink over the course of several hours. If the glass is not cleaned before use, then it may already have some traces of lead that immediately get into the beverage.

The secondary method of reducing the risk is limiting the amount of time that beverages are in the glass. It takes a few hours before the lead can leak into the beverage. That means it is safe to use a fresh, clean glass to drink a glass of wine without worrying about lead poisoning. On the other hand, if it is a glass flask, then remove the drink after an hour and re-clean the flask. Do not leave beverages in lead crystal glassware for an extended period of time.

The fact that some glassware may contain lead does not mean that it is necessarily dangerous. The key is limiting the amount of time that items are placed in the glass and taking steps to reduce the risk of bleeding when glassware is used on a special occasion.

+DJL Lalique is the forum of David Weinstein for buying and selling the artwork of Rene Lalique. He travels all over in search of Lalique's work and shares his experiences on www.djllalique.com.