Pewter Tea Caddy

[Kalvins]

"Pewter is a most favoured traditional material for it can be quite precisely machined for deep lids. It is odourless, rust free, and can last forever. Use a double lid design for the extra protection of the air-trap. The shortcoming is its higher price tag. However, the tactile feel of this heavy material and the care needed to make good pieces are worth the price. Traditionally, Malaysia produces excellent quality, except for the design style, which may not appeal to all people. Japanese designs are superb and their price has gone down quite a bit through the years. Most are either made in Malaysia or with Malaysian material. Quality and designs from China has been improving but still need some catch up."

Other tea containers see link

http://teaguardian.com/tea_preparation/ ... ials1.html

[Kalvins]

They also say....
"Some people may be concerned that pewter can contain lead, which is poisonous when eaten. Modern pewter is lead-free. Moreover, even if you are using a clean, old pewter ware, the lead in the container would not release into the tealeaves when there is no liquid and high temperature involved. However, if you are concerned but still want to try using pewter, make sure the ware you are buying has been clearly declared lead-free. One visible evidence of lead content in the metal is tarnishing through time, so if your container turns dark some time after use, that may mean there is lead in it. "

[JBaymore]

"Moreover, even if you are using a clean, old pewter ware, the lead in the container would not release into the tealeaves when there is no liquid and high temperature involved."

I strongly believe that this is NOT correct information. If there is lead content in the alloy, I would strongly suspect that it can and will oxidize in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. The tarnishing effect mentioned is exactly a part of that function.

If that is true, and it is for even melted lead-bearing ceramic glazes, that lead oxide that forms will be present on the surface as a solid, very fine powder. That fine powder can get into whatever brushes the surface......hands, tera leaves, etc.

This is not a potential case of leaching.....involving a liquid lechate (water or tea or ???).

best,

......................john

[MarshalN]

I don't believe any of the lead oxides are white. What is this oxide you're talking about? If it's a secondary product (i.e. not just simple lead oxide, in any of the potential forms) then what is this material?

Different kinds of pewter have different kinds of purity. The more lead-heavy ones tend to be a grayish-blue colour. Ones that are metallic and shiny have a low, or have no, lead content. Japanese pewter ware have markings that tell you of its purity. Most others don't, but you can usually tell pretty easily.

Also, skin contact alone is a very minimal contact and isn't something that would pose any risk of real significance, unless you're stuffing lead powder into a wound of yours. In pewter with say 5% lead handing it with bare hands really isn't going to cause any issues - you probably handle much more dangerous stuff everyday in your house.

[JBaymore]

Marshal,

You are right..... none are white.... but the very thin yellow form tends to look grey-ish to white-ish against the metal background.

And as I said.... it would be a small issue.... but it is imporatnt to keep in mind the cumulative dosages from all potential sources of such materials.

Direct absorbtion throug intact skin is pretty much non-existant for sure. However if the hands are not washed and then the next thing handled is a ciagarette or food stuff... micro-doses then reach the mouth. Or rubbing the eyes. And so on.

Again........ not saying the lead bearing pewter item alone will "kill you". Just that there might be a factor there worth understanding.

best,

.............john

best,

.............john

[bryan_drinks_tea]

MarshalN is right. Lead(II) oxide is either red or yellow. Hooray for chemistry! (sometimes) but yeah man, I'd test out those pewter caddies for lead.