These two household items are often unsafe because of the risk of being contaminated with too many heavy metals. Heavy metal contamination can lead to gradual progression of physical, muscular and neurological degeneration.

Heavy metals are a type of metallic element with high density and toxicity. Common metals include lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, etc. These elements can cause serious harm to human health at certain concentrations, especially to sensitive groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. In daily life, some household items are at risk of becoming a source of heavy metal pollution due to problems with raw materials or manufacturing processes.

If you have these two household items in your home, you should not use them because there is a high risk of heavy metal contamination.

1. Leaded glassware

Glassware is widely used because of its high aesthetic value and it is also an alternative to some plastic items to protect the environment and health.

However, some glass products that are not strictly controlled by the manufacturer for quality may contain large amounts of lead. Lead is a toxic substance. Long-term absorption of too much lead will affect many systems of the human body, especially the intellectual development of children. Therefore, if you have lead-containing glassware in your home, you should stop using it immediately and throw it away.

Leaded glass can affect health, especially children and (Source: Sohu)

How to tell if glass is leaded?

To identify whether glass is leaded or not, you can rely on the following characteristics:

– Listen to the sound of the item : Gently flick the item with your hand and listen carefully to the sound it makes. Items containing lead make a very loud sound, often making a metallic clanging sound. Items that are not contaminated with lead make a duller and quieter sound.

– Observe the state, color, and pattern : You can soak the glassware in vinegar solution. If you see the item turn white or the vinegar change color, it is possible that the item contains heavy metals to help the firing process go faster.

In addition, people should buy bowls, plates or glass bottles that are white, have few patterns, are smooth but not too shiny. Avoid buying products with flashy patterns or many motifs.

When buying glassware, you should pay attention to the above two factors and should not buy items that are too cheap because they will not ensure safety.

2. Poor quality stainless steel pot

Stainless steel kitchen utensils are loved by many households because of their durability and ease of cleaning.

However, some low-quality stainless steel cookware on the market may be contaminated with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. These heavy metals are gradually released during the cooking process, thereby contaminating food. Long-term consumption of such foods will be harmful to health.

Long-term exposure to lead and cadmium can affect the nervous system, possibly leading to kidney, bone and lung disease,…

Low-quality stainless steel cookware can be contaminated with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead (Source: Icook)

How to identify pots made from poor quality stainless steel?

To distinguish between pots made from high or low quality stainless steel, people can rely on some characteristics:

– Color, brightness : Good quality stainless steel has a bright and smooth color, while fake products and plated stainless steel often have seams and a dull brightness.

– Pot resonance : Tap on the bottom of the pot to check the resonance of the pot. If the pot is thick and of good quality, there will be no resonance when tapped.

– Use a magnet to check : A good stainless steel pot will not attract or will only attract a magnet. If the stainless steel pot is of poor quality, especially if it contains a lot of iron, it will attract a magnet.

Some tips for buying and using household appliances safely

– When purchasing, choose reputable brands and merchants, and pay attention to checking the product’s safety standards certification if required.

– Avoid buying old or used household appliances

– Avoid buying products that are too cheap

– Regularly check kitchen utensils for damage or corrosion and replace immediately if problems are detected.