Lead Testing Services

The New York City Department of Health recently issued a lead warning to New Yorkers. The Department told residents to avoid using traditional, non-food safe clay pots, cups, and dishes (ceramic ware) for cooking or serving food and drinks.

According to the warning notice:

The Department investigated 15 cases of lead poisoning in children and adults associated with the use of these types of ceramic ware with elevated blood lead levels as high as 53 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) in recent months. A blood lead level greater than 5 µg/dL indicates a significant exposure to lead. Although individuals with elevated blood lead levels may not look or feel sick, exposure to lead can cause serious health problems. In children, lead exposure can cause learning and behavior problems; in adults, lead exposure can increase blood pressure and affect the brain, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and affect the unborn baby.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports that lead may be present in the glazes or decorations covering the surface of some traditional pottery. If the pottery is not manufactured properly, this lead can leach into food and drink that is prepared, stored, or served in the dishes.

“This is not the first warning about lead exposure risks from traditional ceramics this year,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “A few months prior to New York’s warning, the Connecticut Department of Public Health announced that some ceramic products being sold at small neighborhood stores throughout the state had tested positive for lead. This is concerning as lead poisoning is dangerous for all of us, but can be especially damaging to young children.”

Working to help public health officials, regulatory agencies, importers, retailers, manufacturers, and the public identify lead hazards in ceramics and other products are the scientists at EMSL Analytical. With laboratories in New York and Connecticut, and dozens more across the United States and Canada, EMSL offers comprehensive lead testing of ceramics and other consumer products. They also provide testing from all types of environmental and industrial hygiene samples.

To learn more about lead testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.