This mug was purchased from IKEA in 2021. It is a thick, glazed stoneware mug that works well for ice cream, hot coffee and any number of liquids you can throw at it.
How do you think it tested via XRF?
Reading on the Green Ceramic:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 92 | +/- 7 |
| Antimony (Sb) | 25 | +/- 5 |
| Other Elements | +/- | |
| Tin (Sn) | 46 | +/- 4 |
| Barium (Ba) | 187 | +/- 15 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 871 | +/- 125 |
| Copper (Cu) | 224 | +/- 17 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 18,489 | +/- 202 |
| Iron (Fe) | 1,292 | +/- 59 |
| Zirconium (Zr) | 13,681 | +/- 156 |
| Platinum (Pt) | 149 | +/- 30 |
| Cobalt (Co) | 243 | +/- 27 |
Reading on the Logo:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 95 | +/- 7 |
| Antimony (Sb) | 25 | +/- 5 |
| Other Elements | +/- | |
| Tin (Sn) | 45 | +/- 4 |
| Barium (Ba) | 189 | +/- 15 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1,158 | +/- 132 |
| Copper (Cu) | 260 | +/- 18 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 19,329 | +/- 214 |
| Iron (Fe) | 1,310 | +/- 60 |
| Zirconium (Zr) | 14,689 | +/- 172 |
| Platinum (Pt) | 174 | +/- 31 |
| Co | 269 | +/- 28 |
The sample was tested in consumer goods TestAll mode using a Niton XL3t 700S for at least 30 seconds. Results are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Test Summary:
Trace lead was detected. In multiple readings taken of the green glaze that is in direct contact with beverages, the lead level ranged from 79 to 102 parts per million.
Federal restrictions for children’s products limit products to 90-100 parts per million lead. Coatings are limited to 90 parts per million lead and substrates are limited to 100 parts per million lead. However, the item is not a new children’s product and is not subject to these regulations.
Furthermore, we have no concerns about the trace level of lead detected, given the intended use of the product. Since 1971, the FDA requires this kind of item to undergo leach testing. Trace heavy metals are bound within the glaze. The lead content in the mug is much lower than similar dishes and mugs we have seen, which can test in the tens of thousands of parts per million lead, with older dishes (often in poor condition) testing the worst.
We do not recommend using vintage high lead dishes and mugs even if they are leach tested, because we do not support using high amounts of lead to make consumer products and the condition of a dish can affect leaching. However, this mug is a new product, it is not damaged, it is leach tested, and it is a very trace level of lead.
IKEA is a preferred brand for glazed mugs and dishes because they limit the content of lead in products and colorants, and we expect to see similar low levels of lead in its other glazed dishes and mugs. They also have a lead free glass plate and bowl series called OFTAST that we tested here.
Trace antimony was detected. We don’t have a concern with trace antimony or other trace metals in a glazed food or drink container that is leach tested.
No other elements of interest were detected.
We Prefer:
We own glass, stainless steel, acrylic and glazed mugs. IKEA is a great brand in the sense that most of their glazed kitchen products have very trace lead and not intentionally added lead or cadmium. However, brand new dishes and mugs of any kind are leach tested so we do not have a concern with using them. We prefer to avoid anything made with high levels of lead or cadmium because it is not environmentally friendly to source these materials and the coating on mugs can wear over time.
When possible, we recommend that all items used by children in the kitchen be lead free, with the exception of trace lead in products that are leach tested, preferably under 90 ppm lead on surface coatings, which is considered to be within legal safety limits for children’ s products.
Better Mugs:
Disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links. By shopping for any item on Amazon starting with our links, you help support our business and testing.
The IKEA mugs are here. Some IKEA mugs are also available on Amazon.
Why we like it: Glazed mugs from IKEA generally contain very trace lead in the glaze or substrate. They are a great choice.
Libbey 15-1/2-Ounce Tapered Mug, Box of 6, Clear
Why we like it: Here’s an affordable set by Libbey. Although this set is dishwasher safe, we do not recommend using it for hot liquids.
Libbey Robusta Glass Mugs, Set of 4
Why we like it: These lead-free glass mugs from Libbey are suitable for warm drinks but not hot beverages.
Disclaimer: These items have not always been personally tested by us but are likely to be lead free or low lead and/or cadmium based on our research into the materials, discussions with manufacturers, and/or testing on similar products. Or they represent better options compared to other goods in their product class. We recommend items we would use ourselves.
We provide our XRF testing for general educational or informational purposes only to help consumers identify low lead and lead-free products. We hereby disclaim any and all warranties, expressed or implied, and assume no duty or responsibility with respect to how any person or entity chooses to use the information on this website.