How to know if clay pots contain lead?

Glazed pottery is a Mexican tradition from which the famous clay dishes emerge, in which hundreds of families enjoy delicious typical dishes. However, caution is necessary as the presence of lead has been detected in them. To avoid a poisoning problem, we will teach you how to know if clay pots contain lead.The lead used in certain glazes or coatings is not only harmful to the artisans who use it, but also to those who consume these products when storing, cooking, and serving liquids or food in dishes, plates, pots, and other containers with this finish.How harmful is lead?According to an article from the Consumer Magazine, lead is a toxic component that damages the kidneys and the circulatory system, especially the blood; it affects neurological development, hearing, and bones, in addition to altering the reproductive system, pregnancy, and lactation.It is crucial to emphasize that there is no safe amount of lead in the blood; in fact, it is one of the 10 most concerning chemical substances for the World Health Organization (WHO), and once it enters the system, its effects are irreversible.How to detect lead in your clay dishes?You can detect if a clay piece contains lead in 3 fairly simple ways using items you likely already have at home.Submerge approximately 25% of a piece of your clay dish in white vinegar and let it soak for 24 hours. If you notice loss of shine and its texture becomes rough, you are at risk of poisoning. Avoid using it altogether.Add a small amount of sodium rhodizonate to 10 ml of white vinegar and mix. Then, moisten a swab with the solution and rub the surface of your clay container. If the swab changes to red, lead is present.Mix 100 ml of water with 100 ml of white vinegar. Pour this mixture into the jar or pot and boil for 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool, place it in a glass, and add a small amount of potassium iodide. If the mixture changes to yellow, it contains lead.Thanks to the Official Mexican Standard NOM-231-SSA1-2016, there is now regulation regarding lead and other metals in glazed pottery, glazed ceramics, porcelain, and glass items, so there are various pottery workshops throughout Mexico where they now work with clay without lead.Take care of your health and check that your clay dishes do not contain lead!