Mug collections reflect personal style, but safety must not be overlooked, particularly with vintage mugs. Pre-1992 glassware often contains lead due to less stringent regulations at the time. While the risks of lead exposure are generally low for infrequent use, they become concerning with repeated usage, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. Testing kits and simple home tests can help determine the safety of these beloved collectibles, making informed choices essential for mug enthusiasts looking to protect their health.
If the mug was made before the lead-restricting legislation in 1992, there's a good chance it contains lead. Lead gave glassware extra brilliance.
Lead is toxic and can harm almost any part of your body, especially impacting kidney function and causing high blood pressure.
Labels and packaging might list if a mug contains lead, but chances are your thrift shop find didn't come with that.
To test it yourself, you can order a testing kit for about $15, but know that results aren't always exact.
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