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 really 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 color ware 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 discounted 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 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, 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 own research as well. These are just my thoughts with 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 actually 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.”
Personally 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 are often coming out with cute designs on their glass storage contains. Many of these have that fun vintage feel but are very safe for food storage.
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
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
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
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
You’re welcome. I feel knowledge is so helpful but we don’t want to be fearful.
Bren
Oh no! I might have to rethink my vintage Pyrex bowl set!
Lisa Sharp
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
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
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
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
Yes, lead poisoning causes so many health issues. It’s important to always try to make informed choices.
Michelle
I will continue to use my pyrex, some are from my grandmother and she lived to 97.
Lisa Sharp
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
It’s less of a concern but can still contain lead.