RELEASE OF LEAD FROM CRYSTAL DECANTERS UNDER CONDITIONS OF NORMAL USE

The pattern of release of lead (Pb) from crystal was investigated usin g new and used decanters. Two decanters in use prior to this study yie lded significantly less Pb into sherry than did a decanter during its initial use. Pb concentrations in sherry after storage for 2 months re ached 50, 163 or 1410 mu g/litre in decanters previously used for 20, or for 10 yr, or a new decanter, respectively. The new decanter impart ed progressively less Pb through normal use. Pb concentration was assa yed in sherry during a series of three separate sampling periods, each 2 months in duration. The Pb concentration at the end of each period was 1410, 330 or 150 mu g/litre respectively. These data are consisten t with ceramic chemistry theory, which predicts that leaching of Pb fr om crystal is self-limiting exponentially as a function of increasing distance from the crystal-liquid interface. The results of this invest igation support the concept that sufficient ageing of Pb crystal prior to use reduces, to acceptable levels, the human health risk to adults associated with consumption of beverages stored in Pb crystal decante rs.