Valarie Posted February 9, 2021 Report Share Posted February 9, 2021 I was hoping that ,someone can clear up a recent issue ,I just read about . Can an older kiln retain lead from lead based glazes in the firebrick that were used in it previously? I have an older Duncan Teacher Plus ? I really never saw this mentioned before, I am worried that my kiln could be contaminated. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted February 9, 2021 Report Share Posted February 9, 2021 4 hours ago, glazed and confused said: Can an older kiln retain lead from lead based glazes in the firebrick that were used in it previously? Yes. I'ld get a swab test for lead like this and see if it comes up positive. If it does then start thinking about what to do with the kiln or consider getting some lead testing done for fired pots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valarie Posted February 10, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 I looked at the 3M swabs you suggested. They can be used directly onto the firebrick in the kiln? Do you need to scrap the brick at all before testing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted February 10, 2021 Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 Yes, I would use them to swab an area of the firebrick. I wouldn't have thought you need to scrape the brick. Lead volatilizes, stands to reason that if it's an issue then it will be on the surface of the bricks. Other option would be to send a sample pot to Brandywine Science Center, costs about 30- to get a sample tested for one oxide. I've used Brandywine, takes about a week for results which they email you. Basically you make and glaze a cylinder then send it off to them for testing. Let us know how this turns out, the subject doesn't come up often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valarie Posted February 10, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 So the kiln is lead free!! I tested the kiln brick and a fired piece with the 3M swabs and both were clean. I am very relieved. My kiln is old but I really like using it and each firing is improving. Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arden Katz Posted June 16, 2021 Report Share Posted June 16, 2021 How did you test the kiln bricks? I tested with the 3 M lead test and mine came back with no lead. When I sent it to a lab they tested the small pieces of kiln brick and came back with lead. Low levels. Very upset by this. It’s important to have a lab check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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