The remarkable information you provide to your viewers needs to be applauded. I sincerely appreciate your effort to expand your viewers knowledge. A sincere thank you!
Thank you for this video I bought the testing kit , and one of my cast-iron Lodge came out positive I was happy all my cast-iron but one were lead free-thank you for your video and I shared it with my sister she had three cast-iron that were positive for lead , she was very disappointed she had to get rid of them thanks again for keeping us safe in Texas
This is very late but I just wanted to say that these lead tests are designed for testing PAINT for lead, not raw metal. A lot of these tests will show positive if they detect ANY metal, including iron. Pans were sometimes used for lead melting, but it was very rare overall and the odds that 3 pans even in a big collection are all positive for lead is pretty slim. If you want to test cast iron for lead you need to be careful that the kit you're using is designed to test bare metal surfaces, and ideally it should be an EPA certified kit that has a low false positive threshold. Look at all the comments on this video of people saying insane stuff like their toothbrushes or glassware or kettles tested positive when there's absolutely no feasible reason for any of those products to have lead in them. The tests aren't 100% accurate and the cheap ones can be exactly as bad as guessing.
@@physicsunderstander4958 100%. Yes, this is a valuable addition to the video, as a word of caution. A positive result from a test manufactured to test particular materials under particular conditions *may* indicate that it contains lead. That'd warrant further follow-up testing using more apt methods. Similarly, a negative test result doesn't guarantee that the material under test is lead-free. False positives and false negatives can occur, and it's important to consider test results-especially ones derived from non-standardised uses of the test-in that context, when making decisions about what the result likely means regarding the material tested. There's definitely way too much lead out there in the world, but tests have their limits in revealing that in a way that's actionable, and caution is warranted when making judgments on the basis of these. The upshot is that it sounds like there a lot of conscientious people out there who want to know; they-we, everyone, really-need to take care in using these tests in efforts to limit lead exposure.
@ Cast Iron Cookware.........it happens...it's a known fact , that , a person with good spelling skills tend to loose that skill , after regularly reading the writings of the general public . i use to proof read the professors papers in college because , their spelling skills were so bad after reading the students papers ..........after a while , i could not do it effectively because my skills went south...............too funny...........
Hi, thank you for creating C.I. content. I was gifted a C.I. dutch oven -- Wagner Ware -- and notice some pitting on the inside bottom of the pot -- several actually, but not deep. Is it safe to use? On 5-27-21, I used coconut oil to season it at 475° and left it in the oven too long -- three hours. My alarm malfunctioned and I forgot it. It was black, but now has a look of rust, especially on the inside of the pot and lid. Please share any suggestions on how to restore this piece. The testing for lead -- Oh my goodness -- wouldn't have been a thought without this video. Thank you.
Absolute perfect timing!!! I just bought a Lodge corn muffin pan & a Wagner #3 skillet. Spent $15 for both! I wanna check for lead just to be safe. Thank you for your videos! I recently inherited my nana's cast iron skillets. I restored them with the help of your videos! Now I'm the 4th (possibly 5th generation) to use these skillets ❤
@@meghanhamlin3888 yes those were negative. I've only found one positive cast iron piece & it was a muffin pan... not sure what brand it was, but unfortunately I had to trash it.
Great video as always. I had a no.5 bsr that tested pos. I made a clock out of it i got that idea from the one behind you. I did find one today to replace it along with a no.8 red mountain and a red mountain no. 10. Have a blessed day.
Wow, great video, i went looking up melting lead. In just the 6 videos I watched I couldn't believe the amount of cookware being used for smelting, skillets, dutch ovens, cornstick pans, gem pans . one video a plumber was actually using a proper smelting pot. Be careful contaminated pieces are out there
This is invaluable information for all folks who use cast iron. Thank you so much Sir, I probably should have known this in my near 50 yrs of cooking with iron skillets and such, but I must admit, that I did NOT. You may have saved many of ppl from lead contamination and or poisoning themselves and others. I will be purchasing swabs thru you affiliate link, and begin testing my Cast Iron. I am so grateful. I'm so much in fact, that I probably will not use my cast iron until I know for sure. Thank You and God Bless!
Your average every day skillet probably was never used to melt lead. They're too big. Its only really a risk for muffin trays, smaller skillets, and that sort of thing.
If you’re new to cast iron collecting restoration this is the channel to watch. There are many out there I’ve watched many especially during the pandemic. Always come back to his channel
I am so very, very grateful that i stumbled upon your site. love it your channel, but oh my goodness, I have been using this old cast iron 10" skillet for the last 4 years. It was my uncles and when he past on, he left a bunch of cast iron pans to me. Geez. i will be testing these all as soon as i get the the kit. and if positive, well - I will have a bunch of analog, cast iron clocks decorating my kitchen walls. lol
I'm hopping to find a piece of iron contaminated with lead. I have several ideas on how to decontaminate it. The lead is basically on the surface so there a good chance soaking the piece in dilute nitric acid will dissolve most of the lead, it will if coarse cause the iron to rust. With a little luck the rest of the lead should come out with the rust. This is only a theory but it will fun to try.
That is a great idea and I would love to hear how it comes out when you finally get a chance to test the theory. In the past I would avoid suspect pieces but now I think it would be a good idea to go ahead and pick them up. Firstly, I would like to share in a video what to look out for when picking. Secondly, to dispose of it properly so no one would mistakenly use it.
A lot of older concrete has lead too. Concrete used to be made with 50% Lead. Had to find out the hard way. Rented a warehouse with this problem and now have to epoxy the whole floor
Never heard of that, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were lead contamination in old concrete/asphalt/etc. Lead was used in a lot of things and there was even leaded gasoline. The roadsides near busy roads of the time probably have higher levels of lead in the soil compared to further away.
Thank-you for this video. I have been suspicious of some cast-iron pots manufactured in China and India. I have also been suspicious of some vintage ceramic crockery manufactured in the 1950's I inherited from my parents.
@@castironchaos i understand Eric I'm just wondering how the enamel gate mark cookware was used so many years but I dont see where the the people being contaminated or articles thats the basis of the warning . Where are you guys getting this data from. It's like you always say and comment about the margarine chemcals and GMOs and conspiracy theories According to you its all false. I know asbestos has been proven over the years.
Thank you. I didn't know that could be lead contaminated. All cast iron pans then should be checked for lead contamination before selling. I've purchased one good one on Amazon, but since I am using it, I feel sickly. It could be a coincidence, but I should now test it. What is the brand for that kit? Can I swab the inside of the pan directly, then washed it off ? But I am confused, the testing sticks are already red 🤔
So, my experience with lead paint has come a long way. First of all, I broke the bedroom wall right next to my bed, and it littered paint chips all over the top area. After that, my dad unknowingly helped do my laundry for me. It could already have been clean of lead paint chips and dust although the logic for leftover bleach says otherwise. Like it might not be completely clean and safe to use because it might not have been washed thoroughly that time, but I've accepted it regardless. For the past few weeks, he has sneaked on me and seen me sleeping on my chair. He told me that he thinks I'm crazy. Though with my OCD logic, I couldn't completely lay trust on the blanket. I was scared to admit to him about that stupid lead paint problem because he might think I'm even more crazy. Just yesternight, I tried to be more normal by curling up and sleeping on it. When I woke up, the next thing I know is that I've done something extremely stupid and mouthed the blanket. I've always been telling myself. It's not brave it's stupid to do that. Lastly, do you think I'll be fine from it? Just a note to you, the paint has not been tested with real tests. I'd only acted like it is lead paint for real.
In trace amounts, it would take constant exposure over a long period of time before it starts to accumulate enough to become a health problem. I wouldn't view a blanket that once was exposed to lead paint chips then washed as significant health hazard _if_ that was that was the only lead source that you're exposed to on a daily basis. But, if the crumbling paint in your room is truly lead based, you've got a much larger exposure hazard than the blanket.
And I would say, STOP doing DIY construction projects. You ARE NOT qualified! The FIRST thing any qualified contractor would do is get the furniture out of the room and/or cover everything with plastic wrap. Step 1: fail. OCD, sure…🙄
I have an old Griswold skillet that has seasoning on the inside walls that I can't get off! I've used the Easy Off method with a trash bag many times and it didn't cut it. It's now sitting in my lye tank and has been there over a week. It's still stuck on. I would rather not resort to electrolysis. Any ideas as to what else I could do? I've heard the self-cleaning oven is not a good option for a old thin pan. I'm really stumped!
Just found your channel and really enjoying it. Question: do you suspect that some brands back in the day contained led during casting? Or, are you suggesting that the only way lead could have contaminated a piece is if someone has used the piece for smelting lead?
Thank you Stephen. I've touched this topic with other youtube channels. Nobody seems to specifically provide the data. I happen to have an excellent shape white enameled gate mark large bowl. I fully understand the led issue. I tested it and I got a negative result. What I dont understand and nobody seems to wants to explain is how did so many people used the led gate mark enameled pieces for so many years. What happened to them. Were they dropping dead. Im not trying to be a smart A. Is this based on historical news articles you all have found that people were dying. Im not asking about C.I. used for smelting. I would think the namel pieces were used for many years.
I am not a medical expert but I believe that ill affects can be less detectablel depending on the amount of exposure over time. The amount of lead that will Leach from old enamelled pieces may be minute but I wouldn't want to take the chance.
@@raymond5194 The main concern that I usually have with lead contamination in cast iron is from fishermen and bullet makers melting lead in their cast iron to make bullets and fishing weights
@@castironchaos i totally understand. Thanks. I guess the truth is the amounts of lead allowed in enamel cookware has changed over the years. As also stated in the past how Le Creuset also had traces led in them so vintage pieces may have more then the new stuff.
hello there ,why would skillets , etc , ever test positve for lead ......what would cause that . great share as usual , thank you , for sharing.............
Desperate for a good cast iron pan in China and I’m 4/4 for lead contamination. Cheap and expensive, “lodge” and domestic brands. All have had lead so far
People have used lead for a lot of purposes. It used to be used a lot in plumbing, fishing lures, bullets. Many times cast iron was used. I usually do not test a piece unless I am suspicious or if there is dscoloration of some kind that would lead me to think it was used for melting lead.
I’ve been testing these sticks lately, a lot because I accidentally bought two packs. They will test positive on latex paint. If wetted with vinegar ( add says use vinegar although instructions say water)they won’t even test raw lead as lead.(battery terminal and bullet tip (scrapped)) Definitely not a straight forward test. The 3M ones have a reagent that tests to 600ppm. And are very consistent. Tap water, no positives, distilled water or bottled water, positive on anything. Hmmmmmm. The scouring pad you use does seem interesting and more consistent.
Is there any way to purchase fewer of those lead test swabs? I only have 2 cast iron pans to test and would prefer not having to buy 60 of the swabs for $20.00. BarbaraSD
I shared my positive results using these swabs with others and learned these tests are very misleading. These are designed for testing paint, not pans, and will react with metal, not just lead. I wanted to reseason a few pans anyways and used sandpaper so i could test bare metal and had positive tests on everything. I also tested a new/unused corner of the sandpaper and got a positive. Tested some steel wool and got a positive. Dont use these tests or you'll throw away a lot. I did het negative tests on well seasoned pans but the seasoning blocks all reagents, both iron and any lead that may be present. Posotive results on seasoned castiron is likely cross contamination or a imperfect seasoning.
5m later update lol: didn’t have a magic eraser so I used a paper towel. No red/pink whatsoever. So question is now 1) is a paper towel good enough for this 2) am I good to go? Lol it was the faintest pinkish when I rubbed directly to the skillet but had a lot of dirt/seasoning on it
Hi, if i click on the amazon link you put in here to purchase the swabs, it will automatically give you credit, brother? Want to make sure it links back to you.
Question? if a tortilla cast iron test positive, but it's being use with plastic in b/w the dough (masa,) avoiding the tortilla mix to touch the presser, are the tortillas being contaminated with lead? I know this might sound like a stupid question, but I don't know and I prefer to sound stupid than not asking. thx!
Odds are your test gave you a false positive, check that by testing another new piece of iron or steel that you know isn't lead contaminated. These lead tests are designed to test paint and many will give false positives for any metal including iron. I don't think it's even possible to melt lead with a tortilla press so it makes no sense for it to have lead in it.
The magic eraser is somewhat abrasive and you will need to rub until you break through the seasoning a little in order to get a true test. Of course you will have to work on adding the seasoning back a little.
It's really necessary to test the cooking surface of a piece that is suspect. Using the piece of magic eraser helps to avoid getting a chemical on your pan.
Unfortunately I discovered our two BSR cast iron skillets are contaminated. We have been using them since restoring them. Our fault. I also have a couple new pieces that are showing some red. Is it possible that some are being made with some lead?
I have been hearing some reports of false positives using various testing testing kits. Unless it produces a fully red result, I would be skeptical. Even if there was lead in the mix during production, it would completely evaporate under the temperatures that cast iron has to reach.
Test a new pan or another steel surface that you know isn't lead contaminated with the same test before you throw the pans out. A lot of these test kits are designed for testing paint and will throw a false positive on any metal including bare iron.
@@physicsunderstander4958 I have a new lodge pan that I had messed the seasoning up a little so I stripped it and tested it and the tests come up positive for lead that’s so weird and interesting thank you for letting me know
@@castIroncookware I bought a set of cast iron from Harbor Freight just to melt lead and pour into molds. I cut the handles down so they are easily identified and hard to use for cooking. The reason we use cast iron is because it's cheap.
The 3M test kits are toxic as well. And they stain the cast iron. Not sure I want them touching the cooking surface. Magic Eraser idea is a good one. Wonder how much of a chance there is for a false neg result.
I have never had one but of course I really am careful when I pick pieces. I have a few friends that have tested positive. I have decided now that when I run across one that I suspect to go ahead and purchase it just to keep it out of anyone else hands for safety sake.
The glaze or paint, if it's gold paint too, can contain lead. Lead free mom might have tested the mug you find suspect but I think the 3M test will work on ceramic. I find these swabs suspect though. There isn't a manufacturer according to the channel owner and it looks easy to counterfeit if it's an actual product.
If anyone uses latex gloves like I did at first to try avoiding any cross contamination with hands or exposure etc, I found that mine gave a false positive for lead. Either latex just naturally reacts with the sodium in the swab or my gloves were made in a nasty factory. Someone else commented that theirs reacted with latex paint so....?
I've been doing a deep dive into lead testing and appreciate you making this video, however, I think you need to update it based on some important info by the original manufacturer of these kits. I almost threw away all my cast iron after using the cheap brand! They are not accurate. Here is why ua-cam.com/video/T2PfRV7kv6k/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared ua-cam.com/video/T2PfRV7kv6k/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
I had NO idea lead was/is possibly contained in older cast iron! Very informative video Sir, thank you for this!
The remarkable information you provide to your viewers needs to be applauded. I sincerely appreciate your effort to expand your viewers knowledge. A sincere thank you!
Thank you for this video I bought the testing kit , and one of my cast-iron Lodge came out positive I was happy all my cast-iron but one were lead free-thank you for your video and I shared it with my sister she had three cast-iron that were positive for lead , she was very disappointed she had to get rid of them thanks again for keeping us safe in Texas
This is very late but I just wanted to say that these lead tests are designed for testing PAINT for lead, not raw metal. A lot of these tests will show positive if they detect ANY metal, including iron. Pans were sometimes used for lead melting, but it was very rare overall and the odds that 3 pans even in a big collection are all positive for lead is pretty slim.
If you want to test cast iron for lead you need to be careful that the kit you're using is designed to test bare metal surfaces, and ideally it should be an EPA certified kit that has a low false positive threshold. Look at all the comments on this video of people saying insane stuff like their toothbrushes or glassware or kettles tested positive when there's absolutely no feasible reason for any of those products to have lead in them. The tests aren't 100% accurate and the cheap ones can be exactly as bad as guessing.
@@physicsunderstander4958 100%. Yes, this is a valuable addition to the video, as a word of caution. A positive result from a test manufactured to test particular materials under particular conditions *may* indicate that it contains lead. That'd warrant further follow-up testing using more apt methods. Similarly, a negative test result doesn't guarantee that the material under test is lead-free. False positives and false negatives can occur, and it's important to consider test results-especially ones derived from non-standardised uses of the test-in that context, when making decisions about what the result likely means regarding the material tested. There's definitely way too much lead out there in the world, but tests have their limits in revealing that in a way that's actionable, and caution is warranted when making judgments on the basis of these. The upshot is that it sounds like there a lot of conscientious people out there who want to know; they-we, everyone, really-need to take care in using these tests in efforts to limit lead exposure.
I just realized that I spelled negative incorrectly. Lol
@ Cast Iron Cookware.........it happens...it's a known fact , that , a person with good spelling skills tend to loose that skill , after regularly reading the writings of the general public . i use to proof read the professors papers in college because , their spelling skills were so bad after reading the students papers ..........after a while , i could not do it effectively because my skills went south...............too funny...........
Hi, thank you for creating C.I. content. I was gifted a C.I. dutch oven -- Wagner Ware -- and notice some pitting on the inside bottom of the pot -- several actually, but not deep. Is it safe to use? On 5-27-21, I used coconut oil to season it at 475° and left it in the oven too long -- three hours. My alarm malfunctioned and I forgot it. It was black, but now has a look of rust, especially on the inside of the pot and lid. Please share any suggestions on how to restore this piece. The testing for lead -- Oh my goodness -- wouldn't have been a thought without this video. Thank you.
Perfesserioneral Edtior here (you that read right).
You are doing just fine.
Trust me on this.
@@redjewel5579 what does C.I. mean
Thanks so much. This is very helpful!
Thank you for this. I just checked all my cookware and my expensive Le Crueset tea kettles are ALL LOADED WITH LEAD! I threw them all away!
I just checked my toothpaste it is positive. It scares
Absolute perfect timing!!! I just bought a Lodge corn muffin pan & a Wagner #3 skillet. Spent $15 for both! I wanna check for lead just to be safe.
Thank you for your videos! I recently inherited my nana's cast iron skillets. I restored them with the help of your videos! Now I'm the 4th (possibly 5th generation) to use these skillets ❤
That is awesome!
Was the lodge negative?
@@meghanhamlin3888 yes those were negative. I've only found one positive cast iron piece & it was a muffin pan... not sure what brand it was, but unfortunately I had to trash it.
Great video as always. I had a no.5 bsr that tested pos. I made a clock out of it i got that idea from the one behind you. I did find one today to replace it along with a no.8 red mountain and a red mountain no. 10. Have a blessed day.
Wow, great video, i went looking up melting lead. In just the 6 videos I watched I couldn't believe the amount of cookware being used for smelting, skillets, dutch ovens, cornstick pans, gem pans . one video a plumber was actually using a proper smelting pot. Be careful contaminated pieces are out there
Wow, thanks for advice there, I did t even think of lead in cast iron but now it makes sense.
I should have taken a little bit of time and explained how cast I can get contaminated with lead.
This is invaluable information for all folks who use cast iron. Thank you so much Sir, I probably should have known this in my near 50 yrs of cooking with iron skillets and such, but I must admit, that I did NOT.
You may have saved many of ppl from lead contamination and or poisoning themselves and others. I will be purchasing swabs thru you affiliate link, and begin testing my Cast Iron. I am so grateful. I'm so much in fact, that I probably will not use my cast iron until I know for sure. Thank You and God Bless!
Your average every day skillet probably was never used to melt lead. They're too big. Its only really a risk for muffin trays, smaller skillets, and that sort of thing.
If you’re new to cast iron collecting restoration this is the channel to watch. There are many out there I’ve watched many especially during the pandemic. Always come back to his channel
Thank you Stephen. Very helpful information. Have a great weekend.
I am so very, very grateful that i stumbled upon your site. love it your channel, but oh my goodness, I have been using this old cast iron 10" skillet for the last 4 years. It was my uncles and when he past on, he left a bunch of cast iron pans to me. Geez. i will be testing these all as soon as i get the the kit. and if positive, well - I will have a bunch of analog, cast iron clocks decorating my kitchen walls. lol
The likelihood of them testing positive will be is very low. You most likely do not have anything to worry about.
Thank you for this video! A lot of my pans had lead in it actually! Life saver, literally!!
I'm hopping to find a piece of iron contaminated with lead. I have several ideas on how to decontaminate it. The lead is basically on the surface so there a good chance soaking the piece in dilute nitric acid will dissolve most of the lead, it will if coarse cause the iron to rust. With a little luck the rest of the lead should come out with the rust. This is only a theory but it will fun to try.
That is a great idea and I would love to hear how it comes out when you finally get a chance to test the theory. In the past I would avoid suspect pieces but now I think it would be a good idea to go ahead and pick them up. Firstly, I would like to share in a video what to look out for when picking. Secondly, to dispose of it properly so no one would mistakenly use it.
Anyone have tried this theory? Thanks
Thank you for this video. I bought cast iron skillets from Ross. They are by MasterChef. They tested positive for lead.
A lot of older concrete has lead too. Concrete used to be made with 50% Lead. Had to find out the hard way. Rented a warehouse with this problem and now have to epoxy the whole floor
Never heard of that, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were lead contamination in old concrete/asphalt/etc. Lead was used in a lot of things and there was even leaded gasoline. The roadsides near busy roads of the time probably have higher levels of lead in the soil compared to further away.
This is so neat! I just learned something new today.
👍 Danke fürs Hochladen!
👍 Thanks for uploading!
👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you!
AMEN, MY BROTHER
Thank-you for this video. I have been suspicious of some cast-iron pots manufactured in China and India. I have also been suspicious of some vintage ceramic crockery manufactured in the 1950's I inherited from my parents.
Do you need to strip off the seasoning before testing?
I've heard of people melting lead in those cornstick pans for trot line weights.
There are a bunch of photos online -- unfortunately -- of those lead corn sticks.
@@castironchaos i understand Eric I'm just wondering how the enamel gate mark cookware was used so many years but I dont see where the the people being contaminated or articles thats the basis of the warning . Where are you guys getting this data from. It's like you always say and comment about the margarine chemcals and GMOs and conspiracy theories According to you its all false. I know asbestos has been proven over the years.
Thank you. I didn't know that could be lead contaminated.
All cast iron pans then should be checked for lead contamination before selling. I've purchased one good one on Amazon, but since I am using it, I feel sickly. It could be a coincidence, but I should now test it.
What is the brand for that kit?
Can I swab the inside of the pan directly, then washed it off ? But I am confused, the testing sticks are already red 🤔
Great video , thank you
Excellent video Steven.
Thank you.
So, my experience with lead paint has come a long way. First of all, I broke the bedroom wall right next to my bed, and it littered paint chips all over the top area. After that, my dad unknowingly helped do my laundry for me. It could already have been clean of lead paint chips and dust although the logic for leftover bleach says otherwise. Like it might not be completely clean and safe to use because it might not have been washed thoroughly that time, but I've accepted it regardless. For the past few weeks, he has sneaked on me and seen me sleeping on my chair. He told me that he thinks I'm crazy. Though with my OCD logic, I couldn't completely lay trust on the blanket. I was scared to admit to him about that stupid lead paint problem because he might think I'm even more crazy. Just yesternight, I tried to be more normal by curling up and sleeping on it. When I woke up, the next thing I know is that I've done something extremely stupid and mouthed the blanket. I've always been telling myself. It's not brave it's stupid to do that. Lastly, do you think I'll be fine from it? Just a note to you, the paint has not been tested with real tests. I'd only acted like it is lead paint for real.
In trace amounts, it would take constant exposure over a long period of time before it starts to accumulate enough to become a health problem. I wouldn't view a blanket that once was exposed to lead paint chips then washed as significant health hazard _if_ that was that was the only lead source that you're exposed to on a daily basis. But, if the crumbling paint in your room is truly lead based, you've got a much larger exposure hazard than the blanket.
And I would say, STOP doing DIY construction projects. You ARE NOT qualified! The FIRST thing any qualified contractor would do is get the furniture out of the room and/or cover everything with plastic wrap. Step 1: fail. OCD, sure…🙄
Thank you so much!🌸
Your absolutely welcome.
Great video thanks for sharing
I have an old Griswold skillet that has seasoning on the inside walls that I can't get off! I've used the Easy Off method with a trash bag many times and it didn't cut it. It's now sitting in my lye tank and has been there over a week. It's still stuck on. I would rather not resort to electrolysis. Any ideas as to what else I could do? I've heard the self-cleaning oven is not a good option for a old thin pan. I'm really stumped!
Thank you
Just found your channel and really enjoying it. Question: do you suspect that some brands back in the day contained led during casting? Or, are you suggesting that the only way lead could have contaminated a piece is if someone has used the piece for smelting lead?
Thank you Stephen. I've touched this topic with other youtube channels. Nobody seems to specifically provide the data. I happen to have an excellent shape white enameled gate mark large bowl. I fully understand the led issue. I tested it and I got a negative result. What I dont understand and nobody seems to wants to explain is how did so many people used the led gate mark enameled pieces for so many years. What happened to them. Were they dropping dead. Im not trying to be a smart A. Is this based on historical news articles you all have found that people were dying. Im not asking about C.I. used for smelting. I would think the namel pieces were used for many years.
I am not a medical expert but I believe that ill affects can be less detectablel depending on the amount of exposure over time. The amount of lead that will Leach from old enamelled pieces may be minute but I wouldn't want to take the chance.
@@castIroncookware thanks I really appreciate . I would just like to hear were or what history is this being based on. Old news articles.
@@raymond5194 The main concern that I usually have with lead contamination in cast iron is from fishermen and bullet makers melting lead in their cast iron to make bullets and fishing weights
www.modemac.com/cgi-bin/wiki.pl/2013-09-23
@@castironchaos i totally understand. Thanks. I guess the truth is the amounts of lead allowed in enamel cookware has changed over the years. As also stated in the past how Le Creuset also had traces led in them so vintage pieces may have more then the new stuff.
Thank you for this video! Do you have to strip the cast iron before you test?
hello there ,why would skillets , etc , ever test positve for lead ......what would cause that . great share as usual , thank you , for sharing.............
A lot of fishermen and bullet makers have used cast iron to melt lead. I should have mentioned the purpose for doing a lead test on cast iron.
There are many videos on UA-cam showing cast iron pans being used for melting lead. Here's one: ua-cam.com/video/OSK8DzskL5Y/v-deo.html
@@castIroncookware ....oh i see , thank you , for the info .......skillet as smelter / crucible , wow........
@@castironchaos........ hello there , thank you . i viewed the video and , something just did not sit right with me about that ........
THANK YOU!!!!
GREAT INFO..
Hope you get a small piece of the pie from Canadian purchases, I just ordered one.
So if i understand correctly you use that sponge dry?
Where do would I buy one of those kits from here in New Zealand?
Not sure. Check Amazon. That may be your best chance.
Do manufacturers of cast iron skillets now or in the past add lead to the iron
Desperate for a good cast iron pan in China and I’m 4/4 for lead contamination. Cheap and expensive, “lodge” and domestic brands. All have had lead so far
A question for you, how could a cast iron pan get contaminated with lead?
People have used lead for a lot of purposes. It used to be used a lot in plumbing, fishing lures, bullets. Many times cast iron was used. I usually do not test a piece unless I am suspicious or if there is dscoloration of some kind that would lead me to think it was used for melting lead.
I’ve been testing these sticks lately, a lot because I accidentally bought two packs. They will test positive on latex paint. If wetted with vinegar ( add says use vinegar although instructions say water)they won’t even test raw lead as lead.(battery terminal and bullet tip (scrapped)) Definitely not a straight forward test. The 3M ones have a reagent that tests to 600ppm. And are very consistent. Tap water, no positives, distilled water or bottled water, positive on anything. Hmmmmmm. The scouring pad you use does seem interesting and more consistent.
How would you test a seasoned pan
Hi, do you routinely test all your cast irons? Should we?!
Great video.
Is there any way to purchase fewer of those lead test swabs? I only have 2 cast iron pans to test and would prefer not having to buy 60 of the swabs for $20.00. BarbaraSD
What about brand new cast iron pans?
So do you test every piece? Thanks great video😊
Bryan (Little Art’s Bbq)
I only test if it is suspect.
I wonder if these lead test swabs can be used on other things like dirt or dust or similar.
Thank you for sharing the word from God!
Have you ever come upon a cast iron skillet that tested positive for lead and if so what brand was it please?
I have not. I have always been carful to avoid pieces that look like lead has been melted in them.
What would that look like if lead had been added to them?
@@kimkirby3563 lead doesn't rust so it will have a dirty grayish coler.
I shared my positive results using these swabs with others and learned these tests are very misleading. These are designed for testing paint, not pans, and will react with metal, not just lead. I wanted to reseason a few pans anyways and used sandpaper so i could test bare metal and had positive tests on everything. I also tested a new/unused corner of the sandpaper and got a positive. Tested some steel wool and got a positive. Dont use these tests or you'll throw away a lot. I did het negative tests on well seasoned pans but the seasoning blocks all reagents, both iron and any lead that may be present. Posotive results on seasoned castiron is likely cross contamination or a imperfect seasoning.
With this particular test, is it possible that it just being dirty could make it slightly pinkish?
Wish I could upload a photo to show
5m later update lol: didn’t have a magic eraser so I used a paper towel. No red/pink whatsoever. So question is now
1) is a paper towel good enough for this
2) am I good to go?
Lol it was the faintest pinkish when I rubbed directly to the skillet but had a lot of dirt/seasoning on it
Hi, if i click on the amazon link you put in here to purchase the swabs, it will automatically give you credit, brother? Want to make sure it links back to you.
Yes, I do get a little bit of a credit for purchases through my links. Thank you.
Question? if a tortilla cast iron test positive, but it's being use with plastic in b/w the dough (masa,) avoiding the tortilla mix to touch the presser, are the tortillas being contaminated with lead? I know this might sound like a stupid question, but I don't know and I prefer to sound stupid than not asking. thx!
Odds are your test gave you a false positive, check that by testing another new piece of iron or steel that you know isn't lead contaminated. These lead tests are designed to test paint and many will give false positives for any metal including iron. I don't think it's even possible to melt lead with a tortilla press so it makes no sense for it to have lead in it.
Thank you. Will the test work on seasoned pans? I'm sure it's better if stripped.
The magic eraser is somewhat abrasive and you will need to rub until you break through the seasoning a little in order to get a true test. Of course you will have to work on adding the seasoning back a little.
has anyone tested their Cooker king cast iron pans?
can you just test the outside of the pan for lead if you don't want to put the chemical on the inside?
It's really necessary to test the cooking surface of a piece that is suspect. Using the piece of magic eraser helps to avoid getting a chemical on your pan.
Unfortunately I discovered our two BSR cast iron skillets are contaminated. We have been using them since restoring them. Our fault.
I also have a couple new pieces that are showing some red. Is it possible that some are being made with some lead?
I have been hearing some reports of false positives using various testing testing kits. Unless it produces a fully red result, I would be skeptical. Even if there was lead in the mix during production, it would completely evaporate under the temperatures that cast iron has to reach.
Can you use this on stainless steel?
Can I use this on a window pane or furniture too?
Yes
What causes the cast iron pans to pit?
I just bought my two first vintage cast iron and they both tested positive ☹️
Test a new pan or another steel surface that you know isn't lead contaminated with the same test before you throw the pans out. A lot of these test kits are designed for testing paint and will throw a false positive on any metal including bare iron.
@@physicsunderstander4958 I have a new lodge pan that I had messed the seasoning up a little so I stripped it and tested it and the tests come up positive for lead that’s so weird and interesting thank you for letting me know
Do you test every piece you get before restoring? Thanks
Usually, I will only test if I have a piece that is suspect.
How or why would there be lead on cast IRON?
Some pieces have have lead melted in them by fishermen and sportsmen to make fishing weights and bullets.
@@castIroncookware I bought a set of cast iron from Harbor Freight just to melt lead and pour into molds. I cut the handles down so they are easily identified and hard to use for cooking. The reason we use cast iron is because it's cheap.
But the magic eraser is pretty toxic and why not just test it on the handle or something?
The 3M test kits are toxic as well. And they stain the cast iron. Not sure I want them touching the cooking surface. Magic Eraser idea is a good one. Wonder how much of a chance there is for a false neg result.
The sample size will have a lot to do with that. If I am suspicious, I will rub the eraser more vigorously and over more of the surface.
How often do you find lead on a skillet ?
I have never had one but of course I really am careful when I pick pieces. I have a few friends that have tested positive. I have decided now that when I run across one that I suspect to go ahead and purchase it just to keep it out of anyone else hands for safety sake.
Don't the directions say vinegar?
Why does my toothpaste tests positive? Please check yours as well
Do starbucks mugs contains lead?
The glaze or paint, if it's gold paint too, can contain lead. Lead free mom might have tested the mug you find suspect but I think the 3M test will work on ceramic. I find these swabs suspect though. There isn't a manufacturer according to the channel owner and it looks easy to counterfeit if it's an actual product.
If anyone uses latex gloves like I did at first to try avoiding any cross contamination with hands or exposure etc, I found that mine gave a false positive for lead. Either latex just naturally reacts with the sodium in the swab or my gloves were made in a nasty factory. Someone else commented that theirs reacted with latex paint so....?
Hello
Hello
Nail polish comes off in like 2 weeks or so.
I suppose that something more permanent like an engraver would be good.
I'd suggest trying a dremel and etching LEAD onto the surface.
@@castironchaos Yes. That would be more permanent.
What other toxic metals in china made cookware
I've been doing a deep dive into lead testing and appreciate you making this video, however, I think you need to update it based on some important info by the original manufacturer of these kits. I almost threw away all my cast iron after using the cheap brand! They are not accurate. Here is why ua-cam.com/video/T2PfRV7kv6k/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared ua-cam.com/video/T2PfRV7kv6k/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
I don't need a test, I know I got too much lead in my butt, cannot outrun the wife. Swings a mean skillet. I need anti lead diet.