Crockpots can be one of the most useful kitchen appliances for making soups, chili, and stews, but a recent investigation suggests that they may contain lead. Investigating the presence of lead in ceramic glazed plates, mugs, and bowls, researchers found that they tend to have a higher content of lead.
This led people to wonder if crockpots with a ceramic glaze may also contain higher levels of lead – which could cause lead poisoning. Learn how to avoid lead poisoning from crockpots.
County Fair Lead Testing
Bill Gephardt, a reporter working for a local television station in Salt Lake City, was looking into lead poisoning from crockpots and other ceramic kitchenware. He encouraged people to bring their items to a county fair, where they were conducting lead testing on dishes. One concerned mom brought in her ceramic crockpot.
When the ceramic crockpot was heated to a temperature of just 80 degrees, it released 10 times the amount of lead that the plate would at room temperature. These findings are troubling, as the FDA limits the amount of lead that is allowed in cookware.
Crockpots Are Commonly Made of Glazed Ceramic
Most crockpots are made with glazed ceramic plating. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control have lowered what is considered the official level for safe exposure to lead; though, the agency also admitted that no amount of lead exposure is safe.
They recommend that the only way to completely protect yourself from lead found in ceramic kitchenware is to avoid all products made from ceramics. Unfortunately, this would include almost all crockpots sold in the market.
Lead Can Damage Your Brain and Nervous System
The lead poisoning from crockpots is a major concern, as lead can lead to a number of health issues.Lead has been found to possibly cause brain damage and damage to the nervous system. Regular lead exposure can also build up in your body over time.
When humans come into contact with lead, it is directly absorbed by the body. It is then distributed and excreted through the bloodstream. Once absorbed, it is distributed to the bloodstream, soft tissue, and mineralized tissue.
In addition to damage to the brain and nervous system, lead poisoning from crockpots can also cause various other health issues. This includes an increased chance of illness during pregnancy, harm to a fetus, high blood pressure, nerve disorders, digestive issues, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain.
Testing Lead Poisoning from Crockpots
If you do not want to give up your crockpot, but are worried about the potential for lead poisoning from crockpots, you can have your crockpot tested. There are lead test swabs available, allowing you to test your crockpots for lead.
After testing your crockpot, if you discover that it contains any lead at all, you may want to consider finding a different way to make your favorite chili recipe. The risks associated with lead outweigh the benefits of using a crockpot for making meals.
Along with crockpots, you may also want to test other kitchenware, including plates, mugs, and bowls made from ceramics.
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