Do you use old or antique dinnerware
By lilaclady
@lilaclady (28207)
Australia
December 17, 2011 5:34pm CST
if you do use old or antique dinnerware be aware that these could contain lead...
lead poisoning is serious and we should take care to what we are using today...
To avoid possible exposure to lead from ceramics and other tableware, consumers should take the following precautions:
1.Do not store food in any dishes that may contain lead.
2.Do not store food in antiques or collectibles
3.Be wary of using or of storing food or beverages in highly decorated or metallic-coated tableware, particularly items made in other countries or by amateurs and hobbyists.
4.Pregnant women should limit their use of lead-glazed mugs or cups for hot beverages, since lead is harmful to fetuses.
8 responses
@MaryLynn321 (2680)
• United States
18 Dec 11
Thank you for sharing. I only have one casserole dish that was my mothers, it is more like earthenware. She used it to make baked beans in it. I have never used it to cook in. We just heat it up in the oven and use it to keep food warm when taking it over to our sons.
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
18 Dec 11
I heard on the TV last week that any plates and such made before 1974 I think he said gas lead in it, apparantly they all used it in the baking of the plates...
1 person likes this
@MaryLynn321 (2680)
• United States
18 Dec 11
Wow, glad I don't use any of the dishes I had back then. We got married in 1972. I will have to check to see if I have any older dishes around, needless to say, as we get older we forget things now and then, and don't need lead leakage from these items adding to the problems. I know I have also heard that they are in coffee mugs as well.
@veganbliss (3895)
• Adelaide, Australia
18 Dec 11
Yes, I can confirm this one personally. My wife insists on me using her old second-hand plates from a second-hand store many years ago. Unfortunately they're all chipped & scored. I recently had tests done confirming lead levels (cadmium & a few others as well) to be over ten times higher than normal. Lead has a huge number of diverse effects on the body & the results certainly helped to explain a few things!
@SHAMRACK (8576)
• India
18 Dec 11
Dear friend,
I wish to use those old antique dinnerware provided it is good condition and keeping the hygienic part of it most. It may be good in appearance but if those consumable stored in it may make reactions leading to unhealthy part. I feel to reject those which is unhealthy for consuming. 
@celticeagle (168420)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Dec 11
That is very good information. I have some pieces of dinnerware that my grandmother gave me. I have some I have had for fifteen or twenty years. I don't use them in the frig or to microwave. The information about lead poisoning was really good to keep in mind.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
19 Dec 11
Here in America the government is very gung ho on keeping lead out of our diets. Any decorative plates have to be clearly marked that they are not to be used in food service. They have even recalled a lot of toys made in other countries because they discover lead based paint on them. I just wish they would test them before they distribute them to the public. Seems like it would save a lot of trouble.
@chrisanto (94)
• Philippines
18 Dec 11
We do not anymore used antiques dinnerwares instead we put it in the cabinet for display. We also sell them to antique collectors. We also displayed them on them on some exhibit.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
18 Dec 11
I don't own any old or antique dinnerware. If I did, I would probably not use it and just have it for show.
@tessa9 (1085)
• Philippines
18 Dec 11
I use ordinary kitchen wares. My mom have a lot of antique dinnerware and she seldom let it be used. It is more of a display. I also don't like eating in it.
