How to Identify Lead in Porcelain, Crystal and Ceramic Cups

Lead is used in paint and glazes for porcelain and ceramic cups. If they are used constantly and hold acidic or hot liquids such as tea, the lead in the paint or glaze can leach into the liquid and contaminate your food. One sign of lead is a dusty or chalky gray residue on the surface of the cups after they are washed. You can use a lead testing kit to positively identify porcelain, crystal and ceramic cups that contain lead.

Things You'll Need

• Lead testing kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Activate the testing swab of the lead testing kit by cracking the handle and shaking it with the tip facing downward. Shake the swab twice, then squeeze until you see a liquid emerge from the tip.

• 2

  Squeeze the swab tube and rub the surface of the cup you are testing for lead for one minute. Set the swab in a safe place and wait two minutes.

• 3

  Look at the area of the swab that came into contact with the cup. If it has changed to a pink or red color, the item contains lead. If it does not, rub the test area on the test confirmation card with the swab. If it changes red or pink, the swab was activated correctly and your items do not contain lead. If it does not, the swab was not activated correctly and you did not get a good test. Use another swab and try again.