Ceramic Glaze for Pottery (Lead and Cadmium in Traditional Glazes, Leaching into Food, FDA CPG 545.450) — household safety profile
High riskCeramic glazes used in pottery and ceramics may contain lead oxide (PbO, used as a flux to lower melting temperature and increase gloss) and cadmium compounds (CdS, CdSe for bright yellow, orange, and red colors) that leach from fired surfaces into food and beverages, particularly acidic liquids (coffee, wine, tomato sauce, citrus juice).
What is this product?
Ceramic glazes used in pottery and ceramics may contain lead oxide (PbO, used as a flux to lower melting temperature and increase gloss) and cadmium compounds (CdS, CdSe for bright yellow, orange, and red colors) that leach from fired surfaces into food and beverages, particularly acidic liquids (coffee, wine, tomato sauce, citrus juice). Lead-glazed pottery is one of the oldest and most persistent sources of lead poisoning globally — the CDC estimates that lead-glazed ceramics are the leading source of lead exposure in Mexico and several Latin American countries, and imported hand-crafted pottery remains a significant lead exposure source for US families. FDA Compliance Policy Guide 545.450 sets action levels for lead and cadmium leaching from ceramics: flatware ≤3.0 ppm lead, cups/mugs ≤0.5 ppm lead, and large hollowware ≤1.0 ppm lead (using 4% acetic acid extraction). Hobby potters firing lead-based glazes face both inhalation exposure to lead fumes during kiln firing (lead volatilizes above 1000C) and the risk of creating leachable lead dinnerware for family use. Commercial food-service ceramics are generally compliant, but hand-made, antique, imported, and hobby-fired pieces frequently exceed FDA action levels by 10-1000x.
What's in it
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Colorants
Glaze Flux
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