Drinking a glass of water is no longer such a trivial act. A recent studyhad already shown that 83% of tap water in the world would be contaminated by plastic fibers, it is now the glass itself which is under the spotlight. Indeed, researchers at the University of Plymouth, England, have just proven that they are likely to contain, on their surface, potentially toxic levels of two metals: lead and cadmium. Their results appeared in the journal Science of The Total Environment.
70% of painted glass contaminated
Scientists performed 197 tests on 72 decorated glass products such as tumblers, beer glasses, wine glasses and jars. In over 70% of cases, lead and cadmium were detected on distinct colors and enamel regions, and sometimes even in concentrations 1000 times the limit! The reason for their presence is their use in colored pigments used in the glass industry.
Organic inks exist, which do not use metallic pigments, and are used to decorate glassware, because they are less toxic and more respectful of the environment, which is why the researchers are very surprised by their results. The question is why these toxic elements are still so often used in the glass industry, especially in China and the European Union, when there are many alternatives.
Possible ingestion of these substances
During a simulation of prolonged use of glass, it was shown that fragments of paint often came off, proving that these substances could easily be ingested. This presents a real danger to long-term health. Remember that cadmium poisoning and / or lead can cause damage to the lungs, bones, brain, liver and kidneys. The authors would like their study to make consumers aware of what they are using, and for manufacturers to eliminate, once and for all, these toxic metals of their products.
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