ASTM C895-87(2019)

Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Tile

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 There are several test methods available to measure the lead and cadmium release from dinnerware and cookware (see Test Methods C738 and C1034 and Specification C1035). These standards are used as a control to ensure the protection of the population against a possible health hazard.4 This potential hazard arises with improperly formulated, applied, fired glazes and decorations. This test method deals specifically with ceramic tile that are intended to come in contact with food during its preparation (for example, counter top tile).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the precise determination of lead and cadmium extracted by acetic acid from glazed ceramic tile that are intended for use in areas of food preparation. The procedure of extraction may be expected to accelerate the release of lead from the glaze and to serve, therefore, as a severe test that is unlikely to be matched under the actual conditions of usage of such ceramic tile. This test method is specific for lead and cadmium.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2019
• ICS: 91.100.25 - Terracotta building products
• Technical Committee: C21 - Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Drafting Committee: C21.06 - Ceramic Tile

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C895-87(2014) - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Tile
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM C738-94(2011) - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2011
• Refers: ASTM C738-94(2006) - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Surfaces
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2006
• Refers: ASTM C738-94(1999) - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Surfaces
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999
• Refers: ASTM C1034-85(1995) - Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted From Glazed Ceramic Cookware (Withdrawn 2001)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995
• Refers: ASTM C1035-85(1995) - Standard Specification for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Cookware (Withdrawn 2001)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995

Overview

ASTM C895-87(2019), titled Standard Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Tile, establishes a precise procedure for determining the amount of lead and cadmium that can be leached by acetic acid from glazed ceramic tiles. These tiles are typically intended for use in areas where food is prepared, such as countertops and work surfaces. The standard is designed to help safeguard public health by identifying potential hazards stemming from improperly formulated or applied ceramic glazes and decorations that may release toxic metals.

The method provides a rigorous evaluation-more severe than typical in-use conditions-to ensure that glazed ceramic tiles used in food preparation environments meet strict safety criteria for lead and cadmium leaching.

Key Topics

• Lead and Cadmium Testing: Focuses on the extraction of these two toxic metals using acetic acid as the leaching medium.
• Applicability: Specific to glazed ceramic tiles intended for contact with food during its preparation, highlighting its importance for kitchen and food service environments.
• Testing Procedure: Involves a controlled leaching process followed by determination of metal concentration via atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
• Significance: Used as a quality control measure, ensuring that only compliant ceramic products are used in contexts where food safety is paramount.
• Standard Units: Results are reported in inch-pound units with SI conversions provided for reference, supporting international traceability and compliance.

Applications

The implementation of ASTM C895-87(2019) is crucial for a range of practical scenarios:

• Manufacturers of Glazed Ceramic Tiles: Ensures products meet regulatory requirements for lead and cadmium leaching, enhancing consumer safety and supporting export readiness.
• Quality Control Laboratories: Provides a standardized test method for certifying ceramic tile safety prior to market release, reducing liability risks.
• Regulatory Bodies and Inspectors: Offers a scientifically validated method for enforcement of food safety regulations related to surfaces in direct or incidental contact with food.
• Specifiers and Kitchen Designers: Assists professionals in selecting and specifying compliant materials for residential, commercial, or institutional kitchens, thereby upholding food hygiene standards.
• Public Health Organizations: Supports efforts to minimize toxic metal exposure from food preparation environments, contributing to broader health protection initiatives.

Related Standards

• ASTM C738: Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Surfaces. Useful for assessing similar risks on other glazed surfaces.
• ASTM C1034: Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Cookware (referenced, though withdrawn).
• ASTM C1035: Specification for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Cookware (referenced, though withdrawn).
• WTO TBT Agreement: The standard aligns with internationally recognized principles as outlined in the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee’s guidelines, ensuring global relevance.

Practical Value

By adhering to ASTM C895-87(2019), stakeholders across the ceramics and construction industries can:

• Demonstrate compliance with food safety regulations.
• Mitigate health hazards associated with toxic metal leaching.
• Build consumer trust through certified product safety.
• Facilitate international trade with harmonized testing procedures.

This standard is essential for anyone involved in the production, specification, or regulation of ceramic tiles in environments where food is handled or prepared.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C895 − 87 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Lead and Cadmium Extracted from Glazed Ceramic Tile
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C895; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C1035 Specification for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from
Glazed Ceramic Cookware (Withdrawn 2001)
1.1 This test method covers the precise determination of
leadandcadmiumextractedbyaceticacidfromglazedceramic
3. Summary of Test Method
tile that are intended for use in areas of food preparation. The
3.1 The lead and cadmium extracted from the article under
procedure of extraction may be expected to accelerate the
test, by acetic acid at 20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F) after 24 h of
release of lead from the glaze and to serve, therefore, as a
leaching, are measured by atomic absorption spectrophotom-
severe test that is unlikely to be matched under the actual
etry using specific hollow-cathode lamps for lead and
conditions of usage of such ceramic tile. This test method is
cadmium, respectively.
specific for lead and cadmium.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4. Significance and Use
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.1 There are several test methods available to measure the
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
lead and cadmium release from dinnerware and cookware (see
and are not considered standard.
Test Methods C738 and C1034 and Specification C1035).
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
These standards are used as a control to ensure the protection
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of the population against a possible health hazard. This
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
potential hazard arises with improperly formulated, applied,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
firedglazesanddecorations.Thistestmethoddealsspecifically
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
withceramictilethatareintendedtocomeincontactwithfood
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
during its preparation (for example, counter top tile).
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Interferences
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 Since specific hollow-cathode lamps for lead and cad-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
mium are used, there are no interferences.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Apparatus
2. Referenced Documents
6.1 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, equipped with a
4-in. (102-mm) single slot or Boling burner head and digital
2.1 ASTM Standards:
concentration readout attachment (DCR) if available. This
C738 Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted from
instrument should have a sensitivity of about 0.5 ppm of lead
Glazed Ceramic Surfaces
for 1 % absorption and a sensitivity of about 0.25 ppm of
C1034 Test Method for Lead and Cadmium Extracted From
cadmium for 1 % absorption. Use the operating conditions as
Glazed Ceramic Cookware (Withdrawn 2001)
specified in the instrument manufacturer’s analytical methods
manual.
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC21onCeramic NOTE 1—1 ppm = 1 mg/L or one part per million is one milligram per
Whitewares and Related Productsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee litre.
C21.06 on Ceramic Tile.
6.2 Hollow-Cathode Lead Lamp, with wavelength set at
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally
283.3 or 217.0 nm.
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C895 – 87 (2014).
DOI: 10.1520/C0895-87R19.
6.3 Hollow-Cathode Cadmium Lamp, with wavelength set
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
at 228.8 nm.
contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
theASTM website.
3 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on “Lead Industries, Inc.,” Proceedings, International Conference on Ceramic
www.astm.org. Foodware Safety, 1975, pp. 8–17.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C895 − 87 (2019)
6.4 Glassware of chemically resistant borosilicate glass to detergent rinse. Each mounted set constitutes one test sample.
make reagents and solutions. Cover each test with a glass plate to prevent evaporation of
solution, avoiding contact between cover and surface of
6.5 Test Cell—Chemically resistant borosilicate glass cylin-
leaching solution. The extraction shall be run in total darkness,
der to contain the leaching solution. An open-ended cell
and the test array must be covered with an opaque cloth or foil
approximately80mminlengthand60mmininternaldiameter
to prevent exposure to light. Let stand for 24 h at 20 to 24 °C
has proven suitable.
(68 to 74 °F).
7. Reagents
8.2 Preparation of Standards:
8.2.1 Lead Standards—Dilute lead nitrate solution (see 7.5)
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
with acetic acid (see 7.3) to obtain working standards having
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
final concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm of Pb.
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
8.2.2 Cadmium Standards—Dilute cadmium stock solution
tee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society
(see 7.7) with acetic acid (see 7.3) to obtain working standards
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
having final concentrations of 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2.0 ppm
used provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
of Cd.
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lesseni
...