Full Lead Crystal Decanter - Are They Safe?

One of the most common questions that come up in forums for people that are looking at decanting their wine is "Is it safe to drink out of a full lead decanting container?"  This is a very good question.  As you probably know lead is a very dangerous substance when it come into contact with humans, especially if it is ingested.  Lead when ingested interferes with a number of body functions.  I don't want to scare you before we get to the answer of this question.  But I do want to provide you with information as to what can happen if leads in large quanitites are absorbed into the body.

Lead poisoning is toxic to the human body.  The organs of the body and tissue are considerable susceptible to the poison associated with lead.  Organs like the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys and reproduction systems will have a hard time with lead, because the substance is so toxic it can cause potentially permanent learning and behavior disabilities.  If you have been exposed to lead expect the following symptoms to show up.  They include abdominal pain, headaches, anemia, irritability and seizures, coma or even death.  So, it is very reasonable to not allow your body to be exposed to lead.

I know, the previous paragraph is a little scary.  But, there is no need to worry when you are using crystal lead decanters.  The leads in these decanters are not easily dispensed into wines when they are placed in them, if lead decanters were dangerous I suspect that the public would be notified by now.  As long as you don't use lead decanters as a means to store you wine or liquor you should not have a problem with lead decanters.  The acid in the wine would take a long time to allow the lead to seep into the wine.  According to nsc.org the following guidelines should be followed with using lead decanters.

1. Do not store liquids in lead glasses or bottles

2. Do not drink from lead crystal on a daily basis.  Decant you wine in a day and drink it on the same day.

3. For best measures, do not feed a baby from a lead baby bottle or container.

http://www.nsc.org/issues/lead/leadindishes.htm has more information if you want to learn more about leads and glass.  These are best practices procedures. Read them and take heed to their instructions.  In the end lead decanters are still very viable options for decanting your wine.  You just should not store you wine in these containers.  If you are thinking about storing you wine, then look into lead free crystal decanters.  That are better for the environment.