51 Does antique Waterford Crystal create a lead exposure if used to serve wine or other alcohol beverages

Abstract Historically Lead was added to crystal glasses and bottles that were decorated by cuts in the glass. Crystal from Waterford Ireland was very popular. The author selected various Genuine antique Waterford crystal glasses and crushed them to determine if there was any potential exposure to lead from consuming wine or hard liquor that had been placed in a Waterford cut crystal glass. Further testing was accomplished by placing citric acid in cut crystal bottles for several months to determine if the lead was detectable in the stored liquid in a Waterford bottle. Wine and Cognac were placed in Waterford bottles or on crushed glass to simulate normal use. The study is ongoing, but expected to be available for review by February, 2024.