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How concerned should I
be about lead content? *
According to
California Law, Children under the age of Six (6) years
old should not wear jewelry containing Lead.
Lead (Pb) is an element used to make alloys
(mixtures of metals) softer and to help alloys melt at
lower temperatures. The problem with using lead in
alloys is that it is toxic and can cause serious health
problems, especially in children. Because children's
bodies are still developing, lead can affect them in
ways it is not likely to affect adults (concern for
children is what initiated this legislation). The two
main ways lead poses a danger are when it is:
- ingested: if components containing lead
are sucked on or swallowed, saliva and/or stomach
acids can leach the lead out of the metal alloy and
into the body
- inhaled: when lead is heated during
manufacturing, or during soldering or repair work,
it can create dangerous fumes
Jewelry components containing lead are generally
considered safe for adults to handle and wear
externally. Nevertheless, as safety and environmental
standards continue to rise, measures are being taken to
use lead less, both in jewelry components and in
general.
Lead oxide (PbO) is a
compound sometimes used in glassmaking. Advantages to
using lead oxide in glass include increased refraction
(which creates the beautiful prism effect we associate
with glass crystal) and a lower working
temperature/viscosity (which makes the glass easier to
work with). During vitrification (when powdered
ingredients melt under heat to form glass), the lead
oxide becomes "trapped" inside the glass and can no
longer be easily absorbed. In normal use, the lead in
leaded glass does not leach out the way metallic lead
can.
Want to know more about lead, or lead in jewelry
components?
Then check out the state of California's
"Lead in Jewelry" Web pages and
Proposition 65 Web pages.
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