California Law Spurs Increase in Safe China

More than 8,000 patterns of china sold worldwide now meet strict standards for exposure to lead because of a tough California law, according to one environmental group.

The number of lead-safe patterns to choose from has increased dramatically.

About two years ago, the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund and California’s attorney general published alist of 600 patterns that then met the stringent state standard--more than 10 times tougher than the federal standard for plates and five times tougher for cups and bowls. That came after they sued manufacturers under Proposition 65, California’s toxic chemical control law, for failing to disclose lead risks to consumers.

The federal standards allow 3,000 parts per billion of lead when plate glazes and decorations are tested for how much lead they release. The federal standard is 500 parts per billion for cups and bowls.

The California standard is 226 parts per billion for plates and 100 parts per billion for cups and bowls.

“One state law forced the facts out into the marketplace and the marketplace reacted worldwide,” David Roe, a senior attorney in Oakland with EDF, said last month.

EDF, in cooperation with the California attorney general, has compiled a shoppers’ guide, “What You Should Know About Lead in China Dishes.” It lists the fine and everyday china patterns that meet California’s standard, based on information supplied by the manufacturers.

“Whether buying dishes for the holidays, registering for wedding china or getting everyday plates and cups for your family, there is no longer any reason to have to worry about toxic lead,” Roe said.

In the 1993 settlement, 10 major manufacturers agreed to halve the amount of lead that leaches from patterns that are over the California standard. They also were required to attach warning stickers, only for sales in California, to every pattern that could not meet the California standard.

Signing the settlement were: Lenox, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Mikasa, Noritake, Fitz & Floyd, Pickard, Villeroy & Boch, Pfaltzgraff and Syracuse.

An additional 30 manufacturers also signed the settlement.

The booklet is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to China Brochure at EDF, P.O. Box 96969, Washington, D.C. 20090.