Lead-Free Crystal Door Knob

May 19, 2015, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Jane 

Hi Debra,

I'm looking for replacement door knobs, antique in style, and have seen several glass knobs that I like very much.

Upon reading the descriptions, it seems that all the glass knobs are actually lead crystal knobs. I am aware that leaded crystal leaches lead if you drink from it, but NOWHERE can I find any information on door knobs.

While you cannot absorb lead through you skin, you could transfer it from hand to mouth and we have a toddler.

One company, Nostalgic, sent me a report about all the ways we are exposed to lead and said they had not heard of door knobs leaching lead. But that's not the same as them saying that they have tested their knobs for leaching.

Is there any reference I can access? Do you know more?

If I run one of those lead swab tests on the door knob and it does not test positive for lead, should I assume it is safe?

It seems I can no longer find just plain glass to match our other door knobs and I can only find leaded glass.

Debra's Answer

Well, I think I can give you an easy answer.

Manufacturers add lead to glass to give it more sparkle when it is cut in crystal patterns.

Because it's a selling point, you'll see something like "12% Lead Content for added Clarity." They are also labeled "lead crystal"

The solution is simple. Choose a glass door knob that is "lead-free".

I searched on "lead-free door knobs" and found one, so there may be more.

www.houseofantiquehardware.com/lead-free-crystal-knobs-pulls
www.houseofantiquehardware.com/blue-lead-free-octagonal-crystal-knob

To answer your other questions, lead test swabs will tell you for sure there is lead, but may not be accurate as a measure of zero lead. They only measure down to a certain level. So avoid for sure anything that tests positive. Anything that tests negative would have very low levels.

You would need to test with an XRF gun to get a more reliable assessment for "zero lead."

At least the test swabs will identify a positive reading inexpensively.