Are enamel-coated cast iron pots safe?
On One Hand: Today’s Enameled Cast Iron Is SafeToday’s enamel-coated cast iron cookware bears the same porcelain glaze that was popular from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. With the exception of some crock pots made in China, the enamel coating does not contain lead; even those Chinese crock pots meet FDA lead standards. Porcelain enamel is a glass coating, not a paint.On the Other: Beware of 1970s Enameled CoatingsSome enameled cookware produced in the 1970s contained glazes made with cadmium, which is very toxic. The United States has since banned products made with this glaze, but old cookware pieces could still be around in vintage stores and even in grandma’s cupboard.Bottom LineUnlike controversial Teflon-coated cookware, modern enamel-coated cast iron pans are safe. Both the enamel and the iron underneath are nontoxic.
