When it comes to family gatherings, you should be focused on the precious moments happening around the table—not if your dishes are safe. However, that is the growing concern for some families. With more news coming out each day about the dangers of toxins in dishware, many are detoxifying their kitchen and serveware and incorporating non toxic dishes.
Common Toxins Found in Dishes
You may have heard talk about “BPA” or “Lead” in dishware or food packaging. Lately, there has been conversation about their effect on human health. Many are debating as to whether they are safe to use or should be avoided at all costs. On the other hand, some consumers aren’t even aware of these elements or what they’re capable of. We believe in taking a stand against the production of dishware made with these harmful chemicals. Here’s what makes them dangerous.
LEAD
Lead is a natural element that is metal-based. Small traces of it can be found in soil or air while larger traces are found in fossil fuels. Lead poses as a health concern to adults, children and pregnant woman. Additionally, it can cause behavioral issues, anemia and decreased kidney function.
BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to produce polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Traces of BPA have been found in plastic-based food and drink storage and serving products. Plus, it has been linked with health problems such as infertility and heart disease.
Though we love the ongoing communication about the dangers of Lead and BPA, there are other chemicals that need to be introduced into the conversation as well.
PHTHALATES
Phthalates is a plasticizer used to soften plastic products. Its uses vary from children’s toys to plastic food containers to cosmetics. Though its safety is still widely debated, The European Union banned the chemical in 2005 due to its link to developmental problems in infants.
CADMIUM
Cadmium is a natural metal found in the earth’s crust. It can be found in batteries and used for pigmentation in paint. However, research has also concluded that it is carcinogenic to humans and can cause cadmium poisoning and cancer.
Though there is plenty of researching linking the disaster effects of lead, BPA, Phthalates and Cadmium, some still argue that these toxins can be safe in small traces. Here’s why we disagree.
Why They’re Dangerous For Your Family
Since the beginning of dishware, heavy metals and toxic materials have been used to odorne designs unto dishware. Thankfully, scientific advancement have helped us see that older dishes were infested with toxins. They also may have been leading cause linked with toxic poisonings and serious ailments back in the day. Yet, despite substantial amounts of research, some mass corporations unfortunately still choose to include small traces of dangerous toxins in an effort to be efficient and “cost-effective”. But there is a cost—it’s your family’s health.
According to the FDA, small traces of lead and toxins are allowed to be regulated in current dishware. In theory, the dish may be fine to handle, but there are concern that toxins are leaching into food when put under any of the following situations:
- The dish is microwaved
- Acidic foods are served in the dish
- The dish becomes chipped or cracked
Though leaching should be a concern for anyone, it is a serious threat to children or pregnant woman, as toxins such as lead can accumulate in the body overtime or can cause detrimental illnesses, as some studies suggest about the use of BPA.
In response to this, a few preventative measures have been taken by various state governments and manufacturers. One action is the California Proposition 65 Standard. This proposition requires dishware companies to signify if their product contains traces of lead or is lead-safe. Another action is some manufacturers are pushing for making products without BPA.
While we champion these steps forward, there is still a problem the American family faces. Besides the California Proposition 65 Standard or unless a manufacturer indicates so, there is no law or regulation that requires all companies to indicate whether they are non toxic or not. This means the average American consumer is left to chance as to whether their new dish set is truly safe for their family. Would you leave your family up to chance?
Our Safe Process From Start to Finish
At Emerson Creek Pottery, we believe that since you use dishware for daily use, it should be safe no matter what. So, whether you choose to microwave it, make a mouthwatering salad with your favorite balsamic dressing or put it in the dishwasher, our pottery will remain safe through the life cycle of its use. Additionally, we make sure our pottery is chip-resistant so that it lasts for generations to come. How do we achieve our iconic microwave-safe, non toxic dishes? It all starts at the very beginning of the process.
Each pottery piece we make starts with clay that is lead-safe and non toxic. Then, our expert potters make each piece by hand—not machine. Our potters mix, and mold the piece and get it ready for our painters. Then, our painters intricately hand paint each piece with cadmium-safe paint. After the pottery is fired in the kiln, we then inspect it and make sure it is crack-free and beautiful enough for your family. Plus, each piece is made in the USA right here in our beautiful, Bedford, Virginia, location. That way you can rest easy knowing that the pottery you introduce in your home is made from loving hands and not in a mass manufacturer’s factory.
Our non toxic dishes are made with your family’s happiness in mind. In fact, It is one of the biggest reasons we make pottery in the first place! We don’t believe you need to sacrifice safety in order to achieve stunning, vibrant pottery. Pottery can be just as beautiful and memorable without the addition of harsh toxins. See for yourself: browse our selection of dishes and children’s dishes.
One Response
Thank you for this great read! Looking forward to many such more informational articles in the future.