John Baymore on thu 16 sep 99
------------------
(snip)
I presume (never a good thing to do on this discussion list, but I am doing
it anyway) that this UK ruling also applies to all European Union
countries. The ruling will apply to all, it is just the implementation that
varies from country to country.
Just thought this may help in the soul-searching across the pond... And
what do your Health and Safety Executive say anyway? Or is this once again
an example of how no one State is like the next? Confusing=21
(clip)
It is not really a case of =22soul searching=22 here in the USA..... you can
agree with the health concerns or you can disagree........ but there are
legal standards in place here that cover pottery producers, big and small,
in all states.
The FDA (Food and Drug Admiunistration) in the USA has full jurisdiction
over the lead and cadmium standards here. There are already Federal
standards (laws) that govern the use of lead and cadmium in glazes. So
here in the USA it is not a case of what a potter =22feels=22 is OK...or =
what a
local or national guild =22suggests=22. There are specific things with =
which
one must comply or be liable for legal consequences.
Monona Rossol's book, =22Keeping Claywork Safe and Legal=22, published by
NCECA, has a very good synopsis of these regulations and is a good resource
for anyone interested in this subjcet here in the US. It is a little
complex.... cause maximum release figures are different for different types
of forms (plates vs. cups, etc.). The regs are also available from the
FDA.... but as you might imagine, they are written in the most difficult of
all foreign languages......... govermental legalese =3Cg=3E.
The state of California is the only state (that I know of) that has
specific regulations of it's own on the lead and cadmium release issue.
Their standards are TIGHTER than the FDA standards. If you make such ware
in CA or you ship it into the state... you need to comply with their laws.
I've mentioned this a couple of times in more detail a while back ....check
the archives..... but the FDA sent a formal survey to all members of the NH
Potter's Guild at one point. It involved giving them statistics on total
gross production, methods used, types of forms, and glaze formulations. On
occasion, they did pick up pieces from people for testing.
Best,
....................john
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086 USA
603-654-2752
JBaymore=40compuserve.com
John.Baymore=40GSD-CO.COM
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