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.
Public concern for clean cookware, dinnerware and glasses is very low. There is little fear of heavy metals 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 food storage, lead is allowed more time in contact with foods and can leach more poison. Cutting on lead surfaces, such as plates, also increases exposure as does a chip or crack in the finish.
Your body will respond to lead by processing it, as in detoxing or storing it for safety. Symptoms from stored toxicity may not be immediate. We know from history of toxic events, like 911, that it can take years for contamination to manifest. How lead manifests is so varied that it is rarely a suspect when illness strikes.
Eliminating your exposure to lead is not easy. It will be work with loads of investigation.
People will think you are crazy, but it is worth the effort. I've found it helps to email companies and ask if products are lead-free. At the very least you are spreading the word that the public is aware and wanting better products.
If a manufacturer tells you their product is lead-free, ask for proof or at least ask to see it in writing. Many will say that they strictly follow FDA guidelines. This is your chance to inform them that the FDA guides are not good enough for you.
Just so you know, the FDA allows all, that's ALL, dinnerware to contain lead levels. Most people can't believe this means today in the US, but it does. Until the public starts saying NO, the practice will continue. Make a fuss. Make change.