Last Updated on June 16, 2022
When asked when did Pyrex stop using lead, the company has responded with a corporate party line: they didn’t follow government regulations when mass manufacturing Lead-painted items. Government agencies agree that no level of Lead exposure is safe for humans. At 90 parts per million (ppm), Lead is toxic to children and deemed unhealthy. This level is even higher in toys. In addition, the company failed to tell customers about its environmental policy, allowing consumers to be exposed to Lead-painted items without contacting the manufacturer.
Identifying vintage Pyrex
You can identify a vintage Pyrex casserole dish by its backstamp. In 1963, Pyrex ware had a circle with a serif font in the center of the handle. The base usually bore a backstamp that says PYREX (TM) OVENWARE. Around the same time, Pyrex began to feature decorative rings on the lids. In the late 1970s, Pyrex plates, bowls, and other pieces were designed with five decorative rings, with an extra circle in the innermost ring.
Even today, home cooks still use vintage Pyrex dishes in their homes. Identifying vintage Pyrex can be a difficult task for the beginner, but it’s possible with a bit of knowledge and some reference books. Susan Tobier Rogove’s book Pyrex By Corning is an excellent resource for identifying vintage Pyrex dishes. Occasionally, Pyrex dishes go for exorbitant prices on eBay. However, keep in mind that value is subjective.
Some of the most common examples of vintage Pyrex include the Daisy Space saver and the Blue Stripe. The Blue Stripe design, which was used on promotional items from 1959, is especially valuable. This set features a floral pattern and comes with a glass cover. It’s easy to identify a vintage Pyrex bowl by its pattern. It also comes in different colors. Depending on its design, a piece could fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Testing for lead content
The first step in determining whether Pyrex cookware contains lead is to test it. You can test Pyrex at home by using a special instrument, which can detect lead levels in ten parts per million or less. Pyrex, like most kitchenware, contains lead in the milk glass interior, so lead is common in this type of cookware. But before you get concerned, you should learn more about the lead issue.
You might wonder why testing for lead content in Pyrex is a good idea, if your favorite bowl has milk glass interior. While this may be inert, you can’t be too sure. Lead is usually released from scratched or acidic foods. You’ll never know if your Pyrex is leaching lead unless it leaks from a crack or chip. Also, if you don’t buy pre-1979 Pyrex, there’s no need to worry about leaching because you won’t see the lead, unless you do a lead check test on it.
Lead check swabs are useful tools for testing lead in paint. The problem with these swabs is that they are not designed for use with glass. However, they are also useful for testing paint, since they have a high-level lead threshold. Vintage Pyrex paint may contain up to 40,000 PPM of lead, which is nearly 66 times more than what the test strips can detect. And the amount of lead that can be detected using a swab is usually below that threshold.
Leachable lead levels in Pyrex glass
The history of reachable lead levels in Pyrex glass cookware is long and varied. Some vintage Pyrex pieces have lead content exceeding permissible levels established by the FDA nearly 40 years ago. It is still prudent to avoid eating out of old Pyrex holloware and storing food in older dishes. Additionally, never drink hot liquids out of Pyrex cups or use them to heat dishes.
Pre-1979 Pyrex items are generally not safe, but the answer depends on how you measure leachable lead levels. While the lead is found primarily on the exterior surface of Pyrex bowls, it is also present in milk glass and other items. Lead leaching is possible with milk glass and other acidic foods. Thus, consumers should avoid lead-glazed Pyrex products. To test for leachable lead levels, you can use a non-radioactive XRF instrument.
The amount of leachable lead in Pyrex glass dishes cannot exceed three parts per million for plates and two parts per million for small bowls. If the dish is more than this, then it must be marked with a label that clearly states the amount of lead in the contents. Alternatively, if the amount of lead leaching is below the limit, it will be considered safe to use. As long as you’re buying Pyrex dishes with the highest safety standards, the dangers associated with lead-containing products should be minimal.
Identifying borosilicate glass in Pyrex
It’s easy to tell if a Pyrex dish is made of borosilicate glass when you see its bluish tint. Its color is a good indicator of its type. If you’re not sure, you can also get a Pyrex expert to tell you for sure. Borosilicate glass is more resistant to thermal shock than ordinary Soda-Lime glass.
When purchasing Pyrex, look for a label that clearly states borosilicate glass. It will have a different borosilicate content. Generally, Pyrex will be made of borosilicate glass. When purchasing Pyrex, check for these labels and ask your local store to identify the material. Glasses made from this material are transparent and therefore suitable for most lab work.
Soda lime is a cheap substitute for borosilicate glass. Its price tag is slightly higher than borosilicate, but still very affordable. If borosilicate glass was expensive and rare, it would cost much more. Many brands charge a premium for inferior products, but if you’re educated, you can get good Pyrex at a good price.
Despite the benefits of borosilicate glass, most people don’t know that it’s not exactly the same as ordinary glass. Luckily, there are some tricks to help you identify borosilicate glass in Pyrex. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to identify Pyrex items easily. Just remember to look for labels that include the word “borosilicate” at the bottom.
Identifying soda-lime glass in Pyrex
Soda-lime glass is the most common type of glass in use today, making up around 90% of all pieces. Made of silica, soda and lime, it has many useful properties and is cheaper than most other types of glass. Soda-lime glass is a common choice for cookware, glass bottles, and other household items. If you are unsure about the type of glass in a particular Pyrex item, here’s how to tell.
While Pyrex cooking and baking utensils are still made of borosilicate glass, they no longer contain this substance. Moreover, they are made of a material similar to borosilicate glass, which means that they will dissolve in a similar liquid. This way, you can determine whether the pieces are made of borosilicate or soda-lime glass.
Soda-lime glass is cheaper than borosilicate glass. Soda-lime glass has a much lower thermal shock resistance than borosilicate glass. If you suspect that your Pyrex pieces are made of this material, check the Pyrex logo. If the glass is not made of borosilicate, test them with mineral oil. Soda-lime glass has a softer consistency than borosilicate glass.
Soda-lime glass is less expensive and easier to work with. It’s also prone to thermal shock, which is caused by sudden changes in temperature. In fact, soda-lime glass is not a good candidate for bakeware. It’s a better choice for direct heat applications, as it’s more resistant to thermal shock. Its low thermal shock resistance makes it a great choice for many purposes, including drinking glasses and thermometers.
Cleaning vintage Pyrex
If you want to restore the shine of your vintage Pyrex, use coconut oil. It can help you restore the sheen of your dishes and is safe to use in a dishwasher. If your vintage Pyrex is colored, you must avoid washing it in a dishwasher. It will slowly etch the glossy sheen and paint finish of your vintage Pyrex. If you are not sure how to clean your Pyrex, try this method and see how it works.
For tougher stains, you can use a magic eraser. This product is like fine sandpaper and will take off some of the sheen on your Pyrex. It may also change the finish of your Pyrex, so make sure to use it carefully. However, this method should be reserved for stubborn stains and baked-on grime. Powdered Bar Keepers Friend is a gentler option.
To test your items for Lead, use a LeadCheck swab. It works by reacting with the fluid and gives positive results. The swab is not safe for painted Pyrex. Make sure you use the right procedure, however, to prevent damaging the paint. Then, use a dishwasher-safe detergent to remove the lead and clean your vintage Pyrex dishes.
About The Author
Fernánda Esteban is a food fanatic. She can't go more than a few hours without eating, and she loves trying new foods from all over the world. Her friends know that they can always count on her for a good conversation, and she's an animal lover who will never turn down an opportunity to pet a dog or cat. Fernánda also enjoys learning about random facts, and she's a social media practitioner who loves to share what she knows with others.