Corelle is one of the most popular brands of dinnerware, known for its lightweight, stackable plates that are durable and chip resistant. However, some older Corelle plates contained small amounts of lead in the glaze, raising health concerns. So an important question for many consumers is: which Corelle plates are lead free?
In this article, we’ll examine the history of lead in Corelle dinnerware, explain when and why Corelle eliminated lead from their production process, and identify which pattern lines of Corelle plates have always been lead free. We’ll also provide tips on identifying vintage Corelle dishes that may contain lead.
Brief History of Lead in Corelle Dinnerware
Corelle dinnerware was first introduced in the 1970s by Corning Glass Works (now known as Corning Incorporated). The plates were made of Vitrelle, a patented glass laminate that gave them exceptional strength compared to most dinnerware at the time.
The Vitrelle formula originally included a small amount of lead, which was commonly used in dinnerware glazes. The lead helped the glaze melt smoothly during production.
However, health concerns around lead emerged in the decades after Corelle’s introduction. It became known that lead could leach from dinnerware into food, potentially causing health issues if consumed.
In response to these concerns, Corelle began phasing out lead from its glazes in the 1980s. By the early 1990s, the glaze formulas were entirely lead free.
When Did Corelle Eliminate Lead from Production?
Here is a timeline of when lead was removed from Corelle dinnerware manufacturing:
- Pre-1980s: Plates contained lead in the glaze.
- Early 1980s: Corelle begins reformulating glazes to eliminate lead.
- 1987: Corelle announces that all new dinnerware is lead-free.
- 1991: All lead has been eliminated from Corelle manufacturing processes.
So by 1991, all Corelle plates and dishes being produced were completely lead free. However, it’s important to note that vintage Corelle products made before 1991 may still contain small amounts of lead, unless noted otherwise.
Which Pattern Lines Have Always Been Lead Free?
While Corelle eliminated lead across all of its dinnerware lines in the early 1990s, there are a few specific patterns that have always been lead free, right from their original launch dates:
- Winter Frost White: This simple white dinnerware pattern was introduced in the mid-1980s, after Corelle had begun reformulating to remove lead. So Winter Frost White plates have always been lead free.
- Woodland Brown: Also launched in the 1980s after lead removal was underway. Woodland Brown plates are lead free.
- Shadow Iris: Introduced in 1991, coinciding with the complete removal of lead from Corelle manufacturing.
- Pure White: Unveiled in the 1990s, containing no lead.
- Blue Heather: Another lead free pattern first launched in the 1990s.
So if you have plates from these original Corelle patterns, you can be confident they have always been lead free.
Identifying Vintage Corelle With Potential Lead Content
If you have older Corelle dishes, especially anything purchased pre-1991, it likely contains at least traces of lead in the glazing. However, there are a few signs that can help identify dishes more likely to have higher lead levels:
- Plates with a glossy, shiny glaze tend to have higher lead content than matte finishes.
- Deeply colored glazes (like red, yellow, or brown) typically have more lead than pale glazes.
- Older dishes with chips, cracks, or crazing in the glaze can potentially leach more lead.
- Corelle patterns with floral or geometric decals on a glossy background tend to test higher for lead.
Some popular vintage Corelle patterns that often test positive for lead include Spring Blossom Green, Butterfly Gold, and Country Rooster.
So if you have these older dishes, take extra precautions like avoiding any scratched plates or not using them for food prep.
Testing Corelle Dishes for Lead
If you’re uncertain about possible lead levels in your Corelle plates, home lead testing kits are available to check them. 3M’s LeadCheck Swabs or the more sophisticated LeadCheck Classic test kits can detect lead in the glazes. Be sure to follow all testing instructions closely.
Many local health departments also offer lead testing services for dishes and ceramics. They can provide more definitive testing to measure for unsafe lead levels.
Is Lead in Corelle Plates a Health Risk?
With vintage Corelle dishes that contain lead, it’s understandable to be concerned about potential health risks. However, it’s important to have perspective on the issue. Here are some key facts:
- The amount of lead in Corelle plates made before 1991 is relatively low. Corelle glazes contained about 300 parts per million (ppm) of lead. By comparison, leaded crystal glasses can have up to 10,000 ppm of lead.
- The Vitrelle glass in Corelle is inert and does not leach lead under normal conditions of use. Acidic foods can cause minor lead release when in contact over extended time.
- No cases of lead poisoning have been conclusively linked to use of Corelle dishes, even with trace lead presence.
- Proper handling and precautions can minimize any potential risks from vintage Corelle plates.
While the lead levels are very low, it’s smart to take some basic precautions if you plan to use older Corelle dishes, especially with children:
- Avoid using plates with chips, cracks, or scratches that could potentially expose more lead.
- Don’t store acidic foods like tomato sauce on vintage plates for long periods.
- Wash dishes thoroughly before use to remove surface dust or particles.
- Consider switching out vintage Corelle for new lead-free plates for regular kid or baby use.
But for most adults using vintage Corelle only occasionally, the negligible trace lead exposure is not a significant health issue.
Are New Corelle Plates Still Lead Free?
Corelle maintains that all of their dinnerware produced since the early 1990s remains completely lead free. So any modern Corelle dishes you buy today will not contain lead.
This includes plates from newer pattern lines like Vitrelle French Pearls, Rose Shadow, and Pure Radiance introduced over the past decade. You can be confident using new Corelle dishes for worry-free meal prep and serving.
Corelle states their commitment to lead-free production on their website:
“Since 1991, all Corelle dinnerware has been produced without lead. Numerous independent laboratory tests confirm that Corelle dinnerware meets or exceeds all requirements for lead-free ceramics.”
So despite trace lead in some vintage pieces, all recently produced Corelle plates and bowls are conclusively lead free based on current testing standards.
Are Corelle Plates Microwave and Dishwasher Safe?
In addition to being lead free, Corelle dinnerware is generally dishwasher and microwave safe under normal usage. Here are some tips for safe care of Corelle plates:
- Corelle can safely be placed in the dishwasher on the top rack only. The high heat of the bottom rack can potentially cause warping.
- Plates are microwave safe, but may become hot very quickly. Use care when removing them after microwaving.
- Avoid microwaving plates with gold or platinum rims, as these can get hot.
- Don’t use vintage Corelle with major cracks or chips in the dishwasher or microwave.
- Wash decorated etched plates facing down to protect the design.
- Let plates cool before washing or stacking to prevent cracking from temperature changes.
Following these basic guidelines will keep your Corelle dishes safely in use for many years!
Conclusion
Corelle’s lightweight Vitrelle glass plates revolutionized the dinnerware industry in the 1970s. While early Corelle production did contain trace lead in the glazing, the brand eliminated all lead use by 1991 due to potential health concerns.
Several original Corelle patterns introduced in the 1980s and 1990s have always been lead free, like Winter Frost White and Woodland Brown. And all newly produced Corelle plates for over 25 years have met strict standards for lead-free materials and safety.
Vintage Corelle dishes with glossy glazes do remain at risk for trace lead content. Simple precautions like avoiding use when chipped or cracked can limit any negligible exposure. Overall, with proper care and handling, Corelle plates pose minimal risks and remain popular dishes for safe, everyday meal service.