QUESTION: Hazards of Stained Glass Lamp shade - 04 Jul 2007 USA

I have a stained glass lamp shade, what, if any, are the potential hazards?

ANSWER: 04 Jul 2007

Dear Sir,

Thanks very much for your query. We had a very similar query earlier this year regarding a stained glass lamp shade! Stained glass lampshades can pose a health risk but not to sensible adults with good hygiene and cleaning regimes. However with regard to children, avoid Lead exposure from the lamp shade by ensuring no child sucks on the Lead metal, or puts their fingers in the Lead dust which may fall to the horizontal surface on which the lampshade sits. Ensure Lead dust is wiped off regularly using a high phosphate detergent, eg once a month if in shade, or weekly if in sunshine. Wash hands in soap and dry well, after touching the lampshade. If Lead exposure may have occurred, ask the doctor for a blood Lead test."

To further avert some of the potential hazards, it is possible you could find a coating which would last - especially if you always keep the lampshade in the shade. Ask your paint store for a product they think is worth trying, but be prepared to be very careful not to dry sand the Lead metal when it comes time to recoat it.

I hope this answers your concerns.

Patrick Mugo Muraguri

Volunteer Information Officer