3. Lead
This may come as a surprise, but some ceramic glaze, glass and enameled cookware can contain lead. Lead is used to give the cookware strength and a uniform color. Children under 6 years of age are most at risk of lead poisoning. And as you probably suspected, lead does leech into our food when heated. Especially if something is labeled with “for decoration only”, should never be cooked or served in this product. It is labeled that way for a good reason. Even low amounts of lead can cause damage to brain development, among other health dangers.