I love vintage Pyrex, you will see it on my page and social media a lot. However, there is something to be aware of when it comes to most vintage dishes and cookware, including Pyrex. It can contain lead.
Vintage Pyrex has gained a lot of popularity lately. You used to find it cheap in thrift stores from when people were clearing out old family dishes but now it seems like everyone is collecting it and it’s getting harder and harder to find.
I see my friends post vintage Pyrex and it’s a common item to discuss in any vintage groups I’m in on Facebook. I collect it as well. I love all of the colorful items, especially the turquoise sets. The photos in the post are actually of my collection.
The fun colorware pieces people love started in the fall of 1945 with even more great patterns and styles being introduced through the 1950s and 1960s. Sadly these fun colorful dishes were discontinued in the 1980s.
With more and more people starting to collect vintage Pyrex again it’s important to know if they are actually safe to use.
Does Vintage Pyrex Contain Lead?
The short answer is most likely. The thing is this isn’t limited to Pyrex. Lead standards for dishes didn’t start until the 1970s. Because of this, it’s really hard to know if our vintage dishes contain lead.
You may wonder why I’m using it if this is the case. The reason I still collect vintage dishes, including Pyrex is, that I have done a lot of research on this issue and have found that it’s the outside of the item that is of concern and the biggest concern is when it’s damaged.
How to Safely Use Vintage Pyrex
I’m not a lead expert or doctor, please do your research as well. These are just my thoughts on the research I’ve done.
If you don’t want to risk having lead in your home at all, and this is a reasonable choice, it’s best to not collect vintage dishware. This is something you will have to decide for yourself.
The Smithsonian has talked about this issue and reached out to the FDA about lead in vintage dishware. This is what they said.
“We do not recommend not using old ware unless it shows signs of deterioration such as cracking or pitting of the glaze. This could be a sign that the glaze is disintegrating and could allow lead to leach into food. In addition to using a home test kit, consumers who want to be cautious might choose to avoid storing foods in older holloware (bowls), consuming hot and acidic liquid beverages such as coffee or tea out of cups, and heating bowls, cups and plates in the microwave. Again, these are qualified recommendations; the ware is not necessarily unsafe because it is old, but it may not comply with current FDA standards.”
I’m very careful with my pieces and use them in a very limited way. The only time I use the bowls for food is if the food is packaged (like candy) or as mixing bowls. And I never use them with acidic or hot ingredients. Almost all of the time I just use them decoratively.
I also always hand wash my Pyrex, which is important to keep them in good condition. I also do not have children. I’m not sure I would use my vintage Pyrex if I did as they are far more susceptible to lead poisoning. This and if you are planning on having children is something to consider when deciding what you feel comfortable with.
Safer Dishware and Food Storage
I do recommend for most of your food use, especially long-term food storage, that you use new, clear glass containers or stainless steel. Both are the safest options. I love to use modern Pyrex for most of my food use. It’s affordable, good quality, and very safe.
Pyrex did briefly make a line called Vintage Charm that was inspired by the vintage pieces but would fit under new FDA standards. It’s hard to find now but if you can this is a great option. I have a few pieces and I use those most of the time.
They also often come out with cute designs on their glass storage containers. Many of these have that fun vintage feel but are very safe for food storage. Right now they have a beautiful collection of Pyrex Colors which give some of that vintage feel.
Don’t forget about other lead risks. I recommend if your home is older testing for lead paint and always being careful when doing any renovation work. Lead poisoning is serious and we all should know the risks and best ways to protect our families.
Remember I’m not a lead expert or doctor, this is just what I have found. I do want to stress again that vintage Pyrex often does contain lead, that is not the question, the question is if it’s accessible under normal conditions. There isn’t a clear answer so you need to decide for yourself and your family if you feel comfortable using it or not.
Deanna says
Life itself is risky and we could drive ourselves nuts trying to avoid every possible danger. I think you just have to look at things individually and decide what is best for yourself and your family. As you say, children are more susceptible so it makes sense to be more cautious where they are concerned.
Lisa Sharp says
I agree. I do make an effort to continually remove harmful things from my life but since my brain is developed I think cancer causing ingredient are higher on my list of things to avoid.
Melanie says
Thanks for this info – I wasn’t aware of this. However, like you, I only use my Pyrex bowls to store loose fruit or veggies, etc. I also don’t have children in the house.
Lisa Sharp says
You’re welcome. I feel knowledge is so helpful but we don’t want to be fearful.
Bren says
Oh no! I might have to rethink my vintage Pyrex bowl set!
Lisa Sharp says
I know some people plant plants in them. That is a fun option. There are some other cute display ideas as well. But it’s totally understandable to choose to get them out of your home all together, that is of course the option with the least risks.
Emileigh Rogers says
I found out about this and have felt weird using my Pyrex pieces for food ever since. I found out that jadeite is much safer, so that’s my vintage go-to now! I do have several Pyrex pieces I’d like to pass on now, since I’m not using them, but I’ve been using my little refrigerator dishes as succulent planters! They fit perfectly between my kitchen sink and window, and I don’t have to worry about lead!
Lisa Sharp says
I love that idea! One of my bowls is often a candy bowl for wrapped candy, I keep my wrapped tea in a fridge container, and things like that. I want to use some as planters as well.
tammy dunn says
thank you for an unbiased article. after reading the comments here, I want to let it be known that lead exposure isn’t just about cancer. it causes a whole host of neurological disorders, and well as general health problems for both adults and children. I have chosen to removed all vintage Pyrex from our home.
Tammy Dunn, LVN
Lisa Sharp says
Yes, lead poisoning causes so many health issues. It’s important to always try to make informed choices.
Michelle says
I will continue to use my pyrex, some are from my grandmother and she lived to 97.
Lisa Sharp says
Lead poisoning doesn’t usually kill you it has other impacts, mostly on children. Like I said, I still collect it and use it just in a limited way. We all have to make our choices but it’s best to make informed choices. 🙂
Nicky says
This is an important topics to share. I met Tamara Rubin with MisLEAD last year ay ShiftCon. I was surprised at how much lead can be found in vintage Pyrex.
Crystal L Plummer says
Wow – Thank you for this article! I have a ton of vintage pyrex and will now be getting rid of most of it – will keep a couple pieces that have sentimental value..but not for food anymore! Yikes.
Lisa Sharp says
I still have mine and continue to collect it but it’s in a cabinet by itself as decor most of the time. You have to do what you feel comfortable with.
Wendy J Kelly says
Pyrex hasn’t changed, modern Pyrex still uses the same process and the FDA has been enforcing leachable lead limits since 1971 and Pyrex has passed. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/vintage-pyrex-contains-unsafe-levels-of-lead/
Lisa Sharp says
This Pyrex was created before 1971. I’ve read the linked article, I also know Tamara Rubin. I’ve talked to another friend that tests things for lead and she agreed with my thoughts on it. As I said it’s unclear if it’s accessible with normal use but since it’s old it likely has wear so that can increase the chance. I just believe everyone should have all the info so they can make the best choices for them. I do still have vintage Pyrex and use it carefully.
This is also only for the colored piece, the clear glass is fine. Sadly, it’s not the same kind of glass they use anymore. It was better but also more expensive.
Elizabeth says
I just bought a 1940s bowel and fridge set before reading this article. All our grandparents/parents have been using these sets for a long time before they discovered they contain lead and they turned out just fine. You can’t be fearful of everything. If using vintage Pyrex makes you happy then use it. Enjoy life while you’re still living.
Lisa Sharp says
There was a lot more lead poisoning and it is very serious so it is something to be cautious about but we all have to make our own choices with what we are comfortable with.
Lindsey says
Hi, I just came across your blog as I was searching about lead in vintage pyrex (as of heard it contained it). I love the vintage pieces and do have a few. I don’t use them often but like to. I understand the clear glass isn’t an issue, what about the interior of the bowls? They all have color/print on the outside but the bowl pieces are otherwise white. Is the enameled white (where you’d actually be using food) of concern also? Thanks!
Lisa Sharp says
It’s less of a concern but can still contain lead.
JHayes says
Thank you for sharing your findings. It is valuable information and valuable to share knowledge no matter what any of us choose to do with it. I am curious about two types of vintage Pyrex / Correlle pieces specifically. I wonder if there has been any testing and known results for pieces that are only white both inside and out with no colorful paint / glaze. I think they are called winter white or winter frost? An example would be the completely white inside and out milk glass Cinderella nesting mixing bowls (typically came in sets of 4; 441, 442, 443, and 444). Also, some of my absolute favorites are the hook handle teacup and saucer sets with the Correlle label which are also plane white inside and out of the cup and front and back of the saucer. Any known lead testing and available results on those that you, your contacts, or anyone reading this blog may know of? Thanks again for sharing the knowledge!
Lisa Sharp says
I don’t know of any testing on those pieces but in general, the lead is found in the paint and even if it’s found in the white glass it is less likely to be accessible, especially without using something acidic in it.
EVA says
Any information on the vintage (circa 1950”s-1960’s)clear glass pyrex coffee pot. It’s quite heavy and after reading comments I’m concerned. I use it almost daily to boil water to make tea.
Lisa Sharp says
It should be fine. It’s paint and the dyes that contain lead. Clear glass, assuming it’s not crystal which Pyrex is not, should be safe. If there are any painted markings they could have let but those wouldn’t be inside of the pot.
DAVID P VANN says
Was the Primary colors mixing bowl set giving off lead in 1945? A lot of the users at that time lived into their 90’s and used that set all their lives.
Lisa Sharp says
Yes, that set likely had lead. A recent study has shown that about half of Americans were exposed to enough lead to impact their IQ scores. While lead gas is a top reason, lead paint also was an issue, lead in consumer goods like dishes likely played a role as well.
Rosemarie W says
I have a set of spring blossom Pyrex Cinderella bowls from 1978. Do you know if they contain lead?
Lisa Sharp says
I can’t say for sure as I do not test them but it’s likely.
Katherine says
What about Festiva colored glass dishes made from 2001 to 2004? Dishes say “Pyrex”. Thanks.
Lisa Sharp says
I don’t test these products so I can’t say for sure but this kind of glass is less likely to have lead. When in doubt assume that vintage glass has lead.
Jackie says
Do you know if the Corningware Blue Cornflower pieces are safe to use?
Lisa Sharp says
I’ve seen them test negative for lead so they are likely fine.
Amy Hopkins says
Lead is cumulative. With enough exposure, it can be seen on x-rays. A point to consider regarding many of our elders long lives is the majority didn’t ingest the highly processed foods that are common now. Also, if you stack your bowls & other dishes, the inside of one is being stacked against the outside of another. Lastly, children, especially under 6 yrs, are particularly vulnerable. Many of the symptoms for elevated lead resemble ADHD and other issues. Most mental health providers are unaware of this. Many medical schools spend less than 4 hours learning about it. Children’s toys have much higher levels allowed then food items even though most children put toys in their mouth.