This generic silicone fabric lined kitchen mitten was purchased from a discount store after 2010. When it comes to preventing burns, silicone is an excellent material to protect hands. Silicone products may test positive for trace cadmium when screened with XRF.
How do you think this our mitten tested?
Reading on the Purple Silicone:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenic (As) | 34 | +/- 2 |
| Antimony (Sb) | 33 | +/- 12 |
| Other Elements | ||
| Barium (Ba) | 306 | +/- 70 |
| Bromine (Br) | 4 | +/- 1 |
| Iron (Fe) | 48 | +/- 12 |
Reading on the Black Fabric Cuff:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenic (As) | 3 | +/- 1 |
| Antimony (Sb) | 50 | +/- 9 |
| Other Elements | +/- | |
| Copper (Cu) | 18 | +/- 5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 11 | +/- 3 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 1,234 | +/- 119 |
| Bromine (Br) | 42 | +/- 1 |
| Iron (Fe) | 205 | +/- 11 |
The sample was tested in consumer goods TestAll mode using a Niton XL3t 700S for 60 seconds. Results are rounded to the nearest whole number.
How did this item perform compared to lead limits for kid’s products?
No lead, cadmium, or mercury was detected in this item. Silicone can test positive for very trace cadmium.
Trace arsenic was detected in this item, which is atypical. Given how the mitten is used, we do not have a concern with trace arsenic or other trace metals. But products free from trace arsenic or other toxic metals are preferred.
Trace antimony was detected in the black fabric and and silicone, which are lined with polyester batting. Antimony is a catalyst for PET plastic, and can be found in water bottles and polyester fill. We do not have a concern with trace antimony in this type of product but we sometimes avoid it in disposable water bottles, given the potential for leaching with heat and time. We also prioritize natural fibers when it comes to bedding and mattresses.
The item tested is below the federal lead restrictions for children’s products which limits products intended for use by children 12 and under to 90-100 parts per million lead.
However, the item is not a new children’s product and is not subject to these regulations.
We think this is a product works as advertised.
We Prefer:
We find silicone and polyester mittens to be acceptable in the kitchen. Trace cadmium may be present in silicone and antimony may be present in plastic batting. We do not have a concern with either contaminant in this type of product.
If you do prefer alternatives that are likely to test non-detect for these elements, we recommend towels and mittens made from cotton fabrics and cotton batting. We also recommend avoiding mittens treated with water-resistant PFAS but identifying these options can be difficult. IKEA does not intentionally add PFAS to its products so they may be a good place to look.
Better Mittens:
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Why we like it: This set is made from 100% cotton fabric and batting.
Potholders Set Trivets Set 100% Pure Cotton Thread Weave Hot Pot Holders Set (Set of 3)
Why we like it: These trivets are made from cotton thread and double as potholders.
Cuisinart Silicone Oven Mitts, 2 Pack – Heat Resistant To 500 Degrees
Why we like it: If you not have a concern with possible trace cadmium and antimony in a mitten (we don’t), these silicone and polyester mittens may be a good option for the kitchen.
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. 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.