When it comes to crystal, lead crystal is the classic selection. It has the right density, the right weight, the right sparkle and shine: everything that makes crystal such a delightful decoration is in leaded crystal. The popularity of leaded crystal is especially noticeable in containers for consumables, specifically wine glasses and decanters. But there is an alternative available, too, often called “lead-free crystal,” which is made differently, but seeks to replace the original leaded crystal with something a little safer.
You see, crystal has been a symbol of wealth and status for over a century, especially when compared to “normal” glass. “Normal” glass, by the way, is technically called “soda-lime” glass, because it contains sodium carbonate and lime, among other ingredients. Crystal was unique from soda-lime glass because it also had lead added to it. Lead lowered the temperatures needed to work the glass, and it raised the refractive index of the glass (this is what gives crystal its sparkle and shine). It also made the resulting crystal sturdier and more resilient than soda-lime glass, making crystal an all-around great purchase.
In the past half-century, lead has been shown to cause significant health problems, especially among children. And in recent years, studies have shown that lead does, in fact, leach into liquids stored in lead-crystal containers. These levels can become dangerously high in wine if the glasses and decanters are not used properly. Some folks keep wine in lead-crystal glasses for more than a few hours, or in decanters for months at a time! These abnormally long periods lead to unhealthy levels of lead in the wine. However, when used properly, the amount of lead seeping into the wine is within safe levels and is usually lower than the average daily intake of an adult (about 70 parts per billion).
Many companies began to make lead-free crystal to avoid this issue entirely. Instead of adding lead to soda-lime glass, some companies began to add barium oxide, which offers an even higher refractive index than leaded crystal, making glasses even brighter. Barium oxide is also lighter than lead oxide, so it lowers the weight of the glasses without weakening their structure.
If you use wine glasses and decanters properly, then you don’t need to worry about leaded crystal causing you any trouble. If, however, you want to be safe and secure, especially if you have children in the house, then the best bet is to get barium oxide (often called “lead-free”) crystal instead.
