I have been in ceramics for over 40 years.As little as 10 years ago,many ceramic glazes contained lead and you were told as long as you fired them to a certain cone and not used inside a food container-you were safe.In the last few years,ceramic glazes have changed.Most have no lead unless they are a specialty product such as crystals,etc.However,it is not just about food conatiners to which I am concerned.Many vases,those beautiful ashtrays with all the colors ,jewelry boxes etc. have been painted with lead paint. If you lay a cigarette or cigar in an ashtray that has lead paint,the lead leeches onto these.If you use dishes that are crazed(small hairline cracks here and there) there is a chance they were painted with lead paint and will seep into your foods.Especially, if they were made in China.If you think yours are ok,check out the toys that are being recalled just this year-2007- from China. When you buy antique dishes,or given some by an older relative,check them for lead before using.Porcelain and china also needs to be checked.Most of the underglazes contain lead.If your piece is crazed or cracked,it could be leeching out lead.

Lead is toxic to  your body's tissues and enzymes. Children are very susceptible because it can accumulate in their nervous system as they grow.High levels of lead can lower their intelligence. Over 400,000 U.S. children 5 years old  and younger have high levels of lead.

Things to watch for in a child :irritability,loss of appetite,weight loss,abdominal pain,vomiting,constipation,pale complexion.

Adults could have pain ,numbness or tingling in the extremities,muscular weakness,headaches,abdominal pain,memory loss,impotence in men.

 Lead is everywhere.In your soil from gasoline or paint from years ago.The lead will remain for many years. Household dust,the dust may come from paint chips or the soil brought in from the outside.The sale of lead paint wasn't banned until 1978.If you have an older home,the paint on your walls,woodwork etc. could all have lead in them.  Up until 1980,they used lead to solder water pipes and copper pipes.Little particles of lead can be released when the water runs through these.Hot water absorbs more lead then cold.

You can be tested at your doctors office.If you are at risk,your local health department can help.

Wash your childrens hands after playing outside,before eating and going to bed.Clean your floors with a wet mop,and dust your window sills,furniture etc. with a damp cloth.Fix meals that are high in calcium and iron,these help prevent the absorption of lead.Don't use hot tap water for baby formula.

You can buy lead test kits.Hybrivet is the one most commonly used because it works on just about everything.It also checks toys.They are swabs and all you do is squeeze the swab to release the chemicals,rub it on whatever you are checking.If the swab turns pink,there is lead.

Lead is still a dominant presence in our lives.Taking precautions is up to us.