Lead can enter the food we consume through lead soldered cans. Lead solder is rarely used on food cans in the United States, but it can still be found on cans of food processed in other countries. Over time the lead can leach into the food, especially after the can has been opened and the contents exposed to air. Food with high acid contents, like citrus juices, causes lead to leach faster. Lead-free cans have a thin, sharply defined, blue-black line along the seam, or no seam at all. If you see crimped joints (folded over) smeared with silver-grey solder, that is lead.

Even if you do not eat from lead soldered cans, you can still consume lead from your food. Leaded crystal glassware and ceramic dishes can release lead into the food and liquids contained in them. Lead has also been used to seal bottles of wine. Ceramic dishes are frequently coated with a lead glaze, which, if fired at too low a temperature, can release lead. Dishes with improper firing are commonly old or come from overseas, making it important to test old or foreign made dishes. When improperly fired dishes containing lead are used day after day, large amounts of lead can be consumed.

Another source of lead in food can be garden produce. Vegetables grown in soil with a high lead content can pick up lead from the soil. Contaminated soil can be found along busy roadways, urban areas, near manufacturing plants that use lead, and along the foundation walls of your home. If there is any doubt about the soil in your garden, test the soil.

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