Short term extraction tests with 4% acetic acid performed on a series of crystal glasses with PbO concentrations ranging between 7 and 32% show that the migration of lead strictly correlates to the hydrolytic resistance of glass. After the first contact, lead migration correlates lineraly to the migration of sodium from the glass. Tests of repeated contact with wine and brandy show that the migration decreases markedly after the first contact, similarly to the behaviour with 4% acetic acid. In a medium-long time period (105 days) the extraction occurs with a diffusion mechanism and the lead migration correlates linearly with the square root of the contact time. A hypothesis is suggested for the evaluation of hazard associated with the ingestion of lead due to the use of crystal glass.
