Lead hazard in Chinese crystals

In summary: H400 - May cause serious aquatic toxicityH410 - May cause long-term aquatic toxicityThe label will have the following hazard pictograms:There will be the following hazard statements:H302+H332 - Harmful if swallowed or if inhaledH350 - May cause cancerH360 - May damage fertility or the unborn childH373 - May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposureH400 - May cause serious aquatic toxicityH410 - May cause long-term aquatic toxicity
  • #1
hai_tep
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I want to use crystals from China for baby jewelry and it turns out that they use lead for the crystals - is there a risk of exposure through the skin to these crystals for babies
 
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  • #2
a link so we can see what they are would help
 
  • #4
hai_tep said:
I want to use crystals from China for baby jewelry and it turns out that they use lead for the crystals - is there a risk of exposure through the skin to these crystals for babies
Sorry to be Captain Obvious here, but isn't there an even more dangerous choking hazard from trying to put jewelry on babies?
 
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  • #6
berkeman said:
Sorry to be Captain Obvious here, but isn't there an even more dangerous choking hazard from trying to put jewelry on babies?
A baby bracelet on the arm for a baby up to six months old - made of high-quality wire consisting of 7 sizes of silicon-coated metal
There is no reason for it to break
 
  • #8
hai_tep said:
A baby bracelet on the arm for a baby up to six months old - made of high-quality wire consisting of 7 sizes of silicon-coated metal
There is no reason for it to break

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against jewelry for babies: https://www.oviahealth.com/guide/100868/can-baby-wear-jewelry/
 
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  • #9
I would play safe and not risk it, even though I searched and found that lead doesn't get absorbed through the skin. But to imagine that a child would not bite or suck something and so ingestion can be ignored is a bit silly.
 
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  • #10
DrJohn said:
I would play safe and not risk it, even though I searched and found that lead doesn't get absorbed through the skin. But to imagine that a child would not bite or suck something and so ingestion can be ignored is a bit silly.
A baby up to six months usually does not reach his wrist to bite or lick
And I would be happy if you would direct me to a source that lead is not dangerous in contact through the skin even for babies
 
  • #11
hai_tep said:
And I would be happy if you would direct me to a source that lead is not dangerous in contact through the skin even for babies
Nobody is going to do that.

It's not a matter of being "dangerous", it is that managing risk is about balancing the amount of risk with the possible benefit.

As wearing jewelry has no benefit for a 6 month old baby there is no level of risk that is acceptable.

Don't do it.
 
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  • #12
Lead is a known toxin. PF does not support these kind of requests.
From the MSDS for lead contained in solder for tiny wires as an example:
https://beta-static.fishersci.com/c...-documents/sds/gsc-lead-safety-data-sheet.pdf
Lead
Safety Data Sheet
according to Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 58 / Monday, March 26, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
Date of issue: 12/15/2014 Revision date: 12/15/2014 Version: 1.1
EN (English US) Page 1
SECTION 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking
1.1. Product identifier
Product form : Substance
CAS No : 7439-92-1
Formula : Pb
Synonyms : C.I. 77575, in massive state / elemental lead, in massive state / glover, in massive state
BIG no : 10073
1.2. Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against
Use of the substance/mixture : Solder
Battery: component
Construction
Electrodes
1.3. Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet
GSC International, Inc.
1747 N. Deffer Drive
Nixa,
MO 65714
United States of America
Tel: 417-374-7431
Fax: 417-374-7442
Email: info@gscinternationalinc.com
1.4. Emergency telephone number
Country Organization/Company Address Emergency number
MEXICO Servicio de Informacion Toxicologica Sintox Tintoreto #32 Edif. a Desp. Col.
Nochebuena Mixcoac
México, D.F.
1 800 009 2800
+52 55 5611 2634 /+52 55
5598 9095
UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA
American Association of Poison Control Centers 1-800-222-1222
SECTION 2: Hazards identification
2.1. Classification of the substance or mixture
Classification (GHS-US)
Acute Tox. 4 (Oral) H302
Acute Tox. 4 (Inhalation) H332
Carc. 1B H350
Repr. 1A H360
STOT RE 2 H373
Aquatic Acute 1 H400
Aquatic Chronic 1 H410
Full text of H-phrases: see section 16
2.2. Label elements
GHS-US labeling
Hazard pictograms (GHS-US) :
GHS07 GHS08 GHS09
Signal word (GHS-US) : Danger
Hazard statements (GHS-US) : H302+H332 - Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled
H350 - May cause cancer
H360 - May damage fertility or the unborn child

H373 - May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
 

FAQ: Lead hazard in Chinese crystals

What is the primary concern with lead in Chinese crystals?

The primary concern with lead in Chinese crystals is the potential for lead poisoning, which can occur if lead leaches from the crystal into food or beverages. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women.

How can I determine if my crystal contains lead?

To determine if your crystal contains lead, you can check the product label or contact the manufacturer for information. Additionally, you can use lead testing kits available in stores or online, which can provide a quick indication of lead presence.

Are there safe levels of lead in crystalware?

Regulatory agencies like the FDA have set limits on the amount of lead that can leach from crystalware into food and beverages. However, it is generally recommended to minimize exposure to lead, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women, by using lead-free alternatives whenever possible.

What precautions should I take when using lead crystal items?

When using lead crystal items, avoid storing food or beverages in them for extended periods, especially acidic substances which can increase lead leaching. Use lead crystal items for decorative purposes or occasional use rather than daily consumption. Always wash them by hand rather than in a dishwasher to minimize wear and tear that can increase lead release.

Are there lead-free alternatives to traditional lead crystal?

Yes, there are lead-free alternatives to traditional lead crystal, such as crystal glass made with barium, zinc, or potassium instead of lead. These alternatives can provide similar aesthetic qualities without the associated health risks of lead exposure.

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