Are old painted ceramic mugs leaking lead and cadmium into your morning coffee?

What's actually in it

Bright-colored ceramic glazes used to rely on lead and cadmium to make rich reds, yellows, and oranges. The U.S. and EU tightened limits in the 1990s, but plenty of older mugs and imported ones still have heavy metals in the glaze. Hot coffee, tea, and acidic drinks like lemon water pull metal out of the glaze and into the cup.

Cracked, chipped, or hand-painted finishes leach the most.

What the research says

A 2025 study in J Hazard Mater tested ceramic mugs for cadmium and lead migration. Many older and imported mugs released measurable lead and cadmium into hot acid solutions. The release was fastest in the first hour and went up with each refill.

The team flagged decorative mugs, hand-painted ones, and souvenir cups as the highest risk.

Use plain unglazed inside ceramic, porcelain, or stoneware from a known U.S. or EU brand for daily coffee. Save decorative mugs for cold drinks or a shelf display. If a mug shows hairline cracks or worn paint, retire it from drink use.