Ceramic Dish Makers Agree to Curb Use of Lead

Ten leading ceramic dish manufacturers have agreed to reduce the amount of lead used in the production of their dishes and also institute a warning label to alert consumers of china patterns that pose health hazards. Lead is associated with hypertension and known to cause birth defects along with other reproductive disorders. Stores that sell the dishes are required to have warning signs explaining that the dishes will expose the user to lead. Manufacturers agreed to reduce the lead in dish patterns that exceed the limit by fifty percent over five years.