Glass is often described as one of the most non-toxic options for cookware and beverages. But is it really non-toxic?
Because glass can be made with different formulas (or recipes), the safety of glass as cookware, drinks and food containers depends on what it is made of and whether it is decorated. The most concerning ingredients that glass reportedly contains include:
- Bly (neurotoksis)
- Cadmium (neurotoksis)
- nanoparticles (smaller size is unknown but does carry risks; for example, they can enter cells and travel through our body)
Regardless, since no material for cookware, food storage containers, beverage containers, beverages, and bakeware is 100% non-toxic and risk-free,Glass is generally one of the safest materialsto include in your kitchen. But a few details can reduce your exposure to toxins through glass.
As a conscious consumer, avoid the following most important things when shopping, evaluating and processing your glass products.
In this article we explore glass as a material in your practical, non-toxic kitchen. Below, you'll learn more about glass for bakeware, beverages, food storage containers and cookware, as well as the #1 type of glass to look for.
When purchasing glass kitchen and bar products, keep in mind two types of glass that are commonly used: borosilicate glass and soda-lime glass.
Borosilikatglasholderare more heat resistant than other forms ofglasso they can be used in the freezer, microwave and oven. The two main chemicals in borosilicaatglas isboron trioxide and silica, which are said to be safe and environmentally friendly.
Cheaper and easily available,soda lime glassis relatively durable at normal temperatures only. It is sensitive to shock and cannot handle extreme heat changes.
Make surekristal,stay-crystal,glazes,to colour, or othersdecorative elementson glass may contain heavy metals or toxic/hazardous chemicals. Possible indications that glass contains lead:
- Sound. Tap the glass gently with a knife. An extracted buzzing sound may indicate thisleidencrystal. A duller, shorter sound (like a whoop)whenbeaten is usually made of ordinary glass.
- Weight. Lead glass is generally heavier.
- To notice. Examine your glass product for any manufacturer marks and examine them. This can sometimes reveal whether there is lead in the glass.
- Prisms. Look online for articles on what to look for when researching how light reacts on glass.
What touches our food and drinks can contaminate their contents. So be careful with glass.
Glass is a proven material and cannot be toxic. It is an essential material in my practical, non-toxic approach.
Below are the different ways glass is used in my home. I buy them in borosilicate glass whenever possible.
Baked goods
Glass baking tins can be used for baking bread and cakes. I butter their inner surfaces for nonstick properties before pouring in a bread or pie crust recipe.
(Amazon-bètalink)
I have successfully made bread and pie crust in a glass baking dish. Please note that some internet articles report that baking cake in glass can lead to uneven heating.
Drinks
BOrosilicate glass is one of your best options. Soda-lime glass is also a convenient, non-toxic option. Keep in mind that soda-lime glass can break more easily, but is also cheaper.
Again, beware that decorative glass - glass with glaze or enamel, is colored and lead crystal (or crystal) - can leach toxic chemicals. Research your glass beverage purchase carefully.
(Amazon-bètalink)
Food containers
I love glass food containers that are multi-functional because they are safe enough to use in the oven, microwave and freezer. This type of versatile glass is made of borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is more resistant to thermal shock than any other common glass.
Another popular glass product I use for food and beverage packaging is glass jars. These are so versatile in my kitchen! We use them to store homemade sauces and dips, soups, dried fruit, nuts and more. However, keep in mind that the lids reportedly contain BPA, an endocrine disruptor.
(Amazon-bètalink)
Low
I try to buy lids made frommedical grade siliconebut it is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Usually they are made of plastic and it is difficult to learn which type of plastic.
So prevent your food from coming into contact with the lid; i.e.Do not fill your glass jar to the brimthus it avoids constant contact with the lid as most lids can leak toxic/risky chemicals.
Created as a safe household glass, Pyrex was originally made of borosilicate glass when it was introduced in 1915. However, the formula has changed and some Pyrex products are now made from soda lime. There are also reports online where lead has been found in some cases. So keep this in mind when purchasing Pyrex and read the manufacturer's claims carefully. Ask any questions you may have to the manufacturer before you decide to purchase.
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Although glass formulas vary, glass is an essential material in my practical, non-toxic kitchen. My preference is for borosilicate glass without decorative or colored elements. Soda-lime glass can be a good option. But beware of decorative elements, colors and stained glass.
Garbo glassware. “How do you know if the glass cups and bottles contain lead or not.” Posted on February 15, 2019. https://www.garboglass.com/news/whether-the-glass-cups-and-bottles-contain-lead-or-not.html
University of Plymouth. “Drinking glasses may contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, November 6, 2017.
Webb, Irina. Updated: December 30, 2019. “Lead-Free Glass Brands.” https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/lead-free-glassware-options/
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