Is it safe to drink from a mug with a chipped glaze?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studykitchen
Verdict: Avoid
Not really. Chipped glaze exposes raw clay and any metal pigments underneath.
What's actually in it
A ceramic mug's glaze is the seal between you and the unfired pigments underneath. A chip exposes raw material, which may contain metal compounds used to color the clay or the underglaze. Hot, acidic drinks speed leaching from the exposed area.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Hazard Mater measured lead and cadmium migration from decorated ceramics. Damaged surfaces released substantially more than intact ones.
Retire chipped mugs from daily drinking use. Keep them for pencil holders or houseplants.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Migration kinetics of cadmium and lead from ceramic mugs. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
What to use instead
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