In 2005, Avi and AJ Rubin – only babies at the time – became “violently ill” after they were acutely poisoned with lead.
Their mother Tamara Rubin, an Oregon-based lead-poisoning prevention advocate, explains the children were exposed to paint infused with lead, leaving one child with permanent brain damage and the other with “fairly severe dyslexia, GI issues and extreme allergies, including food allergies,” says the mom.
Dealing with two very sick boys, Rubin set out on a quest to safeguard her home, protect her children from further harm, and to raise awareness about lead poisoning, warning people that “small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems.”
Developmental delays
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.”
Globally, “1 million people die from lead poisoning,” writes the World Health Organization (WHO), and “millions more, many of them children, are exposed to low levels of lead causing lifelong health problems.”
These health problems include anaemia, hypertension, immunotoxicity and toxicity to the reproductive organs.
“The neurological and behavioural effects of lead could be irreversible,” WHO shares.
Lead exposure can have serious health implications, particularly for children and pregnant women. The risks include:
- Neurological damage: Lead can impair cognitive development and cause behavioral issues in children.
- Kidney and liver damage: Prolonged exposure can affect vital organs and overall health.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Lead poisoning may lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue.
While low-level exposure might not show immediate effects, cumulative exposure over time can have lasting consequences.
Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning include:
- Developmental delays
- Learning difficulties
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
Millions at risk
Meanwhile, Rubin was on a mission to let consumers know about the high quality of lead found in common household items. In 2009, the woman got her hands on a professional X-ray fluorescence (XRF) lead-testing gun and started zapping everything in her home.
She found lead, a risk for millions of Americans, in popular fidget spinners, baby bottles, stainless steel water bottles, pottery, drinkware and dishware.
“Vintage barware can have enough contaminants to cause biological harm to humans,” says Rubin, an activist who runs Lead Safe Mama. “The older it is, the more toxic it likely is.”
She also found high levels of lead in Corelle, the vintage brand that holds sentimental value for many.
Glazed with lead
Corelle has been a household name since the 1970s, known for its lightweight, durable, and stylish dishware. Over the years, their products have evolved with changes in materials and safety regulations. However, older Corelle sets, especially those produced before 2005, may contain lead in the vibrant patterns.
The lead – commonly used to create catchy colors and intricate designs – is found in older glazes and can leach into food, especially when exposed to acidic or hot substances, potentially leading to lead poisoning over time.
In an exchange between Rubin and a Corelle representative, the mother of two was told “that the company is aware of the lead used in their pieces through the mid-2000s,” she writes on her website. After 2005, the spokesperson said the brand “stopped using lead in their decorative dishware patterns.”
In a statement shared by Click2Houston, the company writes, “If you own Corelle dinnerware from before 2005, consider removing it from your kitchen cabinets due to concerns for high levels of Lead. Corelle recommends using their pre-2005 dishes as decorative pieces.”
While these cherished pieces can still be part of your home decor, it’s essential to follow expert recommendations to avoid potential health risks. Whether you’re an avid collector or someone with a few vintage pieces, now is the time to assess how you use them and make informed decisions.
Did you know that lead was a popular material used to make dishware? Please let us know what you think of this story and then share it with your friends so they will know what to do with their vintage dishes!
