Finding lead-free products is not impossible, but there is little marketing space, if any, given to promote such an important issue. This label was under an inch in size and took some real investigation to find on a large box of drinking glasses. It says, "THE BEST LEAD FREE CRYSTAL GLASS." I would have expected those letters to be 2 inches tall on the front of the box, but the print was tiny and on a bottom edge.
The public concern for clean cookware, dinnerware and glasses is very low. There is little fear among the masses and finding lead-free products is just not a priority for most people.
Lead-free consumer goods and food products are seemingly a low priority within the FDA as well. The government believes there are acceptable levels of exposure to lead. Your body vehemently disagrees and would prefer that there were not allowable levels of lead in food, dinnerware or cooking utensils.
When lead is within cookware, plates or mugs that handle heat, the leaching of lead is increased, intensifying exposure. When lead contaminated plates and glassware are used for storage, lead is allowed more time in contact with foods and leaches more poison. Cutting on lead surfaces, such as plates, also increases exposure.
Lead stores in the body and does not always have immediate symptoms that come along with exposure. The body's ability to store this deadly poison can allow symptoms years to manifest while doing damage to organs and the brain.
Eliminating your exposure to lead is a practical decision. There are endless sources that are more difficult to control, but certainly kitchens can be free of lead without too much drama.
