Monona Rossol on sat 22 mar 97
George Mackie wrote:
>..... I made those rich golden glazes and they passed the tests for
> lead release set by the government , as it then was ( the test, not the
> government!). Now we hear snotty toxicology experts sounding forth with
> messianic confidence and getting everyone worried about barium, or
> whatever the current no-no is. I am not a heretic and I dont like them
> coming on like Savonarola at me. And I resent not being able to make
> medieval pots any more. George
This discussion involves a piece of work other than pottery.
You can make all the lead glazed ware you want if you follow FDAs rules.
These are the choices.
1. Formulate the glazes so they will pass current FDA leach limits or the
stricter California limits if you sell there.
2. Use lead glazes that leach like crazy but drill a tiny, unobtrusive hole
in the piece so it wont hold water and can't be mistakenly used for food or
drink.
3. Use lead glazes that leach like crazy, but fire a decal on the bottom
that warns people (you have to use the wording mandated by FDA)
So if the artistic form and look of the piece is your aim, there is no
problem. You shouldn't drink out of the repaired pieces we have dug up at
archeological sites either. But for ware used for food, the health of your
customer far outweighs any artistic consideration.
Monona Rossol, industrial hygienist
Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety
181 Thompson St., # 23
New York, NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062
http://www.caseweb.com/acts/
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