Lead in cookware law

Why is lead concerning?

Lead is both a naturally occurring metal and a highly toxic chemical to people and wildlife. Lead exposure comes mostly from materials and products in and around our homes.

Lead and lead compounds are widely detected in the environment, people’s bodies, and can impact children’s development. There is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Race, income, and other related factors are connected to disproportionate exposure to certain demographics.

Why did Washington pass this law?

In Washington, researchers in King County found concerning levels of lead in cookware used by specific immigrant populations brought from their country of origin. For example, pressure cookers, woks, and aluminum pots were found with high levels of lead.

Researchers also tested cookware available online and purchased locally. Some of these items had concerning levels of lead that leached into food cooked in these products.

How do businesses comply with this law?

When we begin checking products for compliance, we will prioritize metal cookware and cookware components that hold, cook, or touch food, or are touched by people.

• Cookware is defined in the statute as any metal pot, pan, bakeware, rice cooker, pressure cooker, or other container or device intended for the preparation or storage of food.
• Components are defined as separate or distinct parts of the cookware including, but not limited to, accessories such as lids, knobs, handles and handle assemblies, rivets, fasteners, valves, and vent pipes.
• Metal cookware includes items such as pots, pans, bakeware, rice cookers, pressure cookers, and other vessels and containers in which food is cooked or held.

For more information, read the Focus on: Lead in Cookware Guidance for Manufacturers and Sellers.

Frequently asked questions