How do I test if my pottery is safe to use for food?

[sudsy9977]

I am pretty sure it is but not a hundred percent....what should I use to test it....I don't wanna slowly die over time....ryan

[tripleq]

If it isn't marked as safe or unsafe for food use I think your only option is to get a lead testing kit.

[bahamaroot]

....I don't wanna slowly die over time....ryan

I hate to tell you this but you have been slowly dieing since the day you were born!

[sudsy9977]

Is lead the only thing that can be in pottery to worry about?

[daveb]

A pro potter participates here, Tom aka tgraypots(?). Been a little while but a pm may get you some answers.

[quantumcloud509]

I test my pottery by gently throwing it against the wall...just sayin'

[GlassEye]

I test my pottery by gently throwing it against the wall...just sayin'

Interesting, I have only seen pottery thrown on a wheel.

[quantumcloud509]

Pictures to come at a later date hehehe

[Lucretia]

Don't know how accurate they are, but there are lead test kits out there. Just saw one on Amazon for about $11. And supposedly a lot of home improvement stores carry them. Looks like they're pretty easy to use--wet a swab, wipe your plate, see if the swab changes color sort of thing.