Recently my Aunt brought up the topic of
toxic lead in dishes. She's a big advocate for creating a healthy home and decided to purchase new "lead-free" dishes. To her disappointment, the only dishes she found that contained zero lead were from
Fiesta Ware, which only come in super vibrant solid colors. However, she said she'd rather choose semi-attractive toxic free dishes over beautiful contaminated ones. I decided to explore this topic a little further. What dishes fall into the toxic lead category? How dangerous is lead? And better yet, where can you find lead free dishes that are also aesthetically pleasing? Here's what I found:
Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust. Lead poisoning is the leading environmentally induced illness in children. At greatest risk are children under the age of six because they are undergoing rapid neurological and physical development. Lead and cadmium are still used in some ceramic dishes and while levels are regulated by the
FDA and, more strictly, by California, you can't be assured your tableware is lead- and cadmium-free even if it meets California's Proposition 65 standards. However, most tableware doesn't pose a serious health risk.
Choose glass, stoneware, or ceramic dishware. Ceramic dishware labeled as meeting California’s Proposition 65 requirements leach less lead than those approved by the FDA and are preferable. Plain white dishes rarely contain lead.
Avoid old, handmade, or imported ceramic dishware, which may leach more lead than permitted by the FDA. Any ceramic items that show chalky gray residue after washing should not be used, and leaded crystalware should also be avoided. Also avoid tableware that's colorfully glazed on the surfaces that touch food—an external glaze on, say, a pitcher shouldn't be a problem. Avoid decorations over glazes, as they're more likely to rub off than those underneath. Heavy metals are more likely to leach when ceramics are heated, and when acidic food or drink is what's being stored.
This cheerful wide stripe looks great with the white furniture and black and white fabric accents. Tip: Vertical stripes make a room look taller so think about this next time you are designing a room with a lower ceiling. Visit Domino Magazine for more great room scenes for with wallpaper ideas!
Although this space is somewhat cluttered, the graphic wallpaper and crisp white mirror give it a cleaner look. The shape of the mirror echoes the geometric shape in the wallpaper. Image from Domino Magazine. 
All from Romo, clockwise from top left 1)Lasari Flock Wallcovering - this bold pattern looks great behind the pewter console table, 2) Rubani Collection - this high contrast stripe would be fun to use in a craft/hobby room mixed with painted white lacquer furniture pieces, 3) Caruso Stripe - love the wide horizontal stripe mixed with the small vertical striped fabric on the chair, 4) Arturo pattern - love it - especially accented with the bright red vases.
Designer's Guild Bergamasque wallpaper in Duck Egg. This looks fantastic above the crisp white wainscoting and the cut velvet striped sofa pairs nicely with the bold pattern on the wall.
The zebra pattern is a fun and an unexpected way to accent a transition between rooms. Because of the simplicity of the other room, the busy wallpaper doesn't feel overwhelming.
From Nina Campbell, Fleur de Lys Court wallpaper - an excellent choice for a dramatic foyer or niche. Large patterns like this one look best in small doses. 
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