Ceramic Products Identified by the Connecticut Department of Public Health as the Source of Recent Lead Poisoning Cases

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced last month that some ceramic products being sold at small neighborhood stores throughout the state have tested positive for lead. The ceramics were identified by the DPH as the source of lead poisoning for two children in separate families, one of the children’s parents also tested positive for lead poisoning.

According to a state official, if ceramic ware products are available for sale, the products must be directly labeled as, ‘not for food use,’ ‘may poison food,’ ‘may contain lead glazes,’ ‘food use may result in lead poisoning,’ ‘food consumed from this vessel may be harmful,’ or ‘only for decorative use’ if the products are not intended to be used for food contact and cooking. Parents concerned that their children may have had exposure are advised by the agency to contact their pediatrician for further testing and follow-up.

“Lead has been used for centuries in the glazing process of many traditional ceramics and this continues in some countries,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These items should never be used for containing, cooking, or serving food and beverages as ceramic ware containing lead can leach into items and cause lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can be especially damaging to young children and as the DPH states, no amount of lead is safe for the body.”

Dedicated to helping 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 dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL offers comprehensive lead testing from all types of materials and environmental samples.

To learn more about lead testing or other consumer product, 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail