The main safety problem regarding ceramic materials in contact with aliments is the release of lead and cadmium. Hence, a strict and efficient control is needed, in order to protect consumer against the eventual dangers caused by the use of glazing, enamel and decorations on surfaces which come in direct relation with foodstuffs. Lead is a heavy metal used in pigments, coatings and stabilizers. It has soluble salts, so it passes easily in acidic solutions. Cadmium’s salts are used usually as pigments. In 2009, 160 ceramic samples were analyzed in Romania, in order to evaluate the heavy metal release in acidic solutions. The determination method was the atomic absorption spectrometry. Whatever the origin of the materials (EU/non-EU countries), the release of heavy metals was far under the maximal limits (as stated by law), so that all the ceramic objects were considered appropriate for use in contact with foodstuff.
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