Toys
Lead may be found in the paint on some imported toys. In the United States, the use of lead was banned for products marketed to children in 1978; however, it is still widely used in other countries and therefore can still be found on imported toys. It may also be found on older toys made in the United States before the ban. Lead may also be found in plastic toys.
More information about lead in toys can be found on the CDC’s Lead in Toys page.
Pottery and Ceramic Products
Lead may be present in the glazes or decorations covering the surface of some dinnerware and pottery. If the pottery is not manufactured properly, this lead can leach into food and drink that is prepared, stored, or served on the dishes.
Consumers should pay particular attention to dinnerware or pottery that is:
- Handmade with a crude appearance or irregular shape
- Antique
- Damaged or excessively worn
- Purchased from flea markets or street vendors or if you are unable to determine whether the pottery is from a reliable manufacturer
- Brightly decorated in orange, red, or yellow color, as lead is often used with these pigments to increase their intensity
Pottery not listed above that was made in commercial factories for everyday use is much less likely to have contain lead.
More information about lead in dinnerware, ceramics, and pottery can be found on the FDA website.
Imported Candies
Lead has been found in some consumer candies imported from Mexico. Certain candy ingredients such as chili powder and tamarind may be a source of lead exposure. Sometimes, lead gets into the candy when processes such as drying, storing, and grinding the ingredients are done improperly.
Also, lead has been found in the wrappers of some imported candies. The ink of these plastic or paper wrappers may contain lead that leaches into the candy.
More information can be found on the CDC’s Lead in Candy page.
Imported Cosmetics and Jewelry
Lead is often been used in jewelry to brighten colors, make the article heavier, and to stabilize or soften plastic. If swallowed or put in the mouth, lead jewelry is hazardous to children.
More information about lead in jewelry can be found on the CDC’s Lead in Jewelry page.
Kohl, Kajal, Al-Kahal, Surma, Tiro, Tozali, Kwalli, and other traditional eyeliners that are popular in many parts of the world are a serious health concern because they commonly contain large amounts of lead, as well as other heavy metals.
In some cultures, it is common for parents to apply these products to the eyes of infants and children. Products containing kohl and similar ingredients have been linked to lead poisoning, especially among children. These products are not allowed to be sold in the U.S., but sometimes they make their way into specialty markets.
For more information about lead in cosmetics, please visit the FDA website.
Traditional or Folk Remedies
Lead has been found in some traditional (folk) medicines used by East Indian, Indian, Middle Eastern, West Asian, and Hispanic cultures. Folk medicines can contain herbs, minerals, metals, or animal products. Lead and other heavy metals are put into certain folk medicines because these metals are thought to be useful in treating some ailments. Sometimes, lead accidentally gets into the folk medicine during grinding or coloring process or from the packaging.
Here are some examples of folk remedies that have been found to contain lead:
- Greta and Azarcon (Hispanic)
- Ghasard (Indian)
- Ba-baw-san (Chinese)
- Daw Tway (Thai and Myanmese)
Other folk medicines that may contain lead are listed on the CDC’s Lead in Folk Medicine page.