Can ceramic mugs leach lead or cadmium into drinks?
Yes, especially from decorated lip areas. A 2025 study found lead and cadmium migrated more from mug exteriors than interiors under acidic test conditions.
What's actually in it
Ceramic mugs can use metal-based pigments in glazes and decorations. Cadmium can show up in red, orange, and yellow pigments. Lead can be present in some glazes.
The lip area matters because your mouth touches it. If decoration sits near the rim, acidic liquids and saliva can contact that surface.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Journal of Hazardous Materials measured cadmium and lead migration from new and second-hand ceramic mugs using 4% acetic acid over 24 hours.
Migration was higher from exterior surfaces than interiors, especially where the rim area had decorative cadmium sulphoselenide pigments. Interior migration stayed within current EU limits in this study, but the exterior lip area is not currently regulated in the same way.
This does not mean every ceramic mug is a problem. It does mean decorated rims deserve caution, especially for daily hot drinks.
Choose clear glass for daily drinks when you can. If you use ceramic, pick plain white or light-colored mugs with no decoration on the lip area.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Migration kinetics of cadmium and lead from ceramic mugs. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |