Talk:Lead-glazed earthenware

Toxicity?

I think the composition should be mentioned. I also think that it's obviously noteworthy that the element lead, Pb, is toxic and even when the glaze was fully hardened (? not sure of term...fired?) and even if it was then over-coated with something less neuro-toxic, some lead would be leached and ingested. Especially with (hot) liquids of varying pH, microcracks, etc.98.17.180.146 (talk) 04:51, 7 October 2024 (UTC)

There is a U.S.A. FDA page noting that 'proper' firing of lead glazed earthenware is sufficient to minimize the contamination of food. Unfortunately, the same page seems to contradict that by stating consumers should avoid worn items. (You can't have it both ways, if it's safe except when it's "damaged or worn", "antique" or "brightly decorated in red, orange, or yellow", then it sure doesn't seem safe to me!! ( How about as a container for vinegar-containing foods?, tomato-based sauces? (both of which can be quite acidic)? IDK. Here's a copy of the 'meat' of that page:"Traditional pottery and other forms of ceramicware are made with earthenware, a porous form of clay which must be glazed in order for the pottery to hold food or liquid. Glazing applies and fuses a thin, glass-like coating onto the surface of the clay to seal its pores. The glaze – which may contain lead to facilitate the melting of glaze particles – fuses to the pottery when it is fired in a kiln, a special oven used to bake clay. When the pottery is fired at the proper temperature for the proper amount of time, essentially all the lead is bound into the glaze. If any migrates to food, it will be an insignificant amount. However, if not properly fired, the lead may not fuse to the earthenware and may contaminate food when the pottery is used with food." I retrieved it on Oct 7, 2024 from:https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/questions-and-answers-lead-glazed-traditional-pottery 98.17.180.146 (talk) 05:05, 7 October 2024 (UTC)