Typically, lead levels higher than 5 mg per deciliter of blood is considered a “significant exposure.”
In pregnant women, exposure to high amounts of lead can increase the risk of miscarriages.
The lead may be added to the paint or glazing to brighten colors and provide a smooth finish."
Raththaphon Wanjit / Getty Images
Lead poisoning due to dishware and pottery is not a problem specific to New York City.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports from various jurisdictions, Hore adds.
When tested, the woman had a blood lead level of 44 mg per deciliter.
She later gave birth to a baby girl who also had elevated levels of lead in her blood.
The cause was found to be a store-bought mug that had chipped and peeling lead glaze.
She had been drinking hot lemon water from it regularly during her pregnancy and afterwards.
The acidity of lemon, along with heat, were causing lead to leach out of the mug.
Look for any potential breakdown of the glaze," Johnson-Arbor says.
Lead crystal glasses and decanters may also pose health risks.
“It more concerning when people use these products over time,” she says.
Hauptman M, Bruccoleri R, Woolf AD.An update on childhood lead poisoning.Clin Pediatr Emerg Med.
2018;14(2):152-155. doi:10.1007/2Fs13181-017-0649-x
