Potential lead exposures from lead crystal decanters.
We measured the concentrations of lead leached into 4% acetic acid, white port, and a synthetic alcoholic beverage that were stored in lead crystal decanters for 1-, 2-, and 10-day periods at room temperature. In decanters from 14 different manufacturers, measured lead concentrations ranged from 100 to 1800 micrograms/L. The pH of the leaching medium is probably the dominant factor determining the extent of lead leached, with greater leaching occurring at lower pH values. The consumption of alcoholic beverages stored in lead crystal decanters is judged to pose a hazard.
Appel
B R
BR
Division of Laboratories, California Department of Health Services, Berkeley 94704-9980.
Kahlon
J K
JK
Ferguson
J
J
Quattrone
A J
AJ
Book
S A
SA
D000085:Acetates; D019342:Acetic Acid; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000032:analysis*; D002140:California; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D000085:Acetates; D007854:Lead; D019342:Acetic Acid