Crystal liquor decanter
Storing brandy, wine and other alcoholic beverages in crystal decanters may lead to lead leached from the crystal then causing serious health side effects when ingested. The longer the beverage remains in the crystal, the more lead leaches into the liquid. After an hour of storage in a lead crystal decanter, the amount of lead in white wine can more than double.
Lead Poisoning Symptoms
Lead poisoning can affect walking, hearing, the kidneys and cause other serious complications in the body. Most lead poisoning comes from lead building up in the body through time. However, a sudden large dose of lead can cause emergency hospitalization for stomach cramps, seizures, vomiting and coma.
Medical Tests
A blood test, a bone marrow biopsy, iron level tests, x-rays of bones, and complete blood count studies are just some of the lab work that might be done to help determine whether you suffer lead poisoning. If you suspect you've been exposed to lead by drinking or eating from lead crystal, had exposure by some other means, or need questions answered regarding lead poisoning, call the National Poison Control Center 800-222-1222 any time of day or night.
Avoid Exposure
You can avoid ingesting lead leached into drinks by storing beverages containing alcohol in other than crystal decanters. If you choose to use crystal decanters, pour wine or brandy into the decanters shortly before serving then return any remaining liquor to its original bottle. Empty the crystal glasses, and then wash them in warm soapy water. Use other crystal containers, such as jam and jelly compotes, biscuit buckets, juice and water glasses, to serve only the current meal then return the foods and liquids to their original containers until next use. Or, use only glass for serving and storing food and drinks.
Tags: crystal decanters, from lead, lead crystal, lead leached, lead poisoning