We purchased a series of glazed earthenware pots from IKEA in 2020. This style is called MUSKOT and features a glazed white pigmented coating with textured horizontal lines. We keep it outside on our porch and it has withstood the elements well.
How do you think it tested via XRF?
Reading on the White Glaze (multiple components under scope)
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 41 | +/- 5 |
| Other Elements | ||
| Tin (Sn) | 9 | +/- 3 |
| Barium (Ba) | 2,670 | +/- 36 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 153,912 | +/- 1,495 |
| Iron (Fe) | 454 | +/- 47 |
| Vanadium (V) | 25,715 | +/- 507 |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 36 | +/- 4 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1,451 | +/- 100 |
| Cobalt (Co) | 55 | +/- 20 |
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. No other elements of interest were detected. Trace lead is common in glazed and unglazed clay pots. 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.
This pot is an excellent choice. Decorative items like pots and other garden decor not intended for use by children can contain high lead glazes. IKEA has restrictions in its supply chain for lead and cadmium, and we are confident that their garden products are a good choice.
We Prefer:
We like garden pots that are made of plastic or that are unglazed or plain clay. Earthenware options typically contain trace lead but we are not concerned about the lead given the trace level of lead and how the pots are used.
Better Pots:
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 MUSKOT pots at IKEA are available here. They are not available on Amazon. The suggestions we added below are for plain unglazed pots and plastic pots.
Classic Home and Garden Corinthian Resin Flower Pot Planter, Storm Blue, 10″
Why we like it: These lightweight resin pots are great for the garden.
Why we like it: Unglazed pots are a good general choice for the garden.
Ikea FÖRENLIG plant pot, 24 cm, in/outdoor black
Why we like it: Here is another option from IKEA made from lightweight plastic.
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.