Question from Fran H.
I have a ceramic mug from Pier 1 that I bought at a garage sale and have used for a couple of years. I use this mug because Pier 1 assured me that their mugs are all lead-free. I have noticed pits in the bottom of the mug where coffee residue remains. Is the mug still safe to drink from? I assume that I am now reaching the ceramic itself and not just the glaze. I emailed Pier 1 and they told me to take it to the store, where I suspect I will just be given a replacement and the old mug will be thrown away without regard to whether it is safe to use or not. I hate to see it go to the landfill unless it truly isn’t safe to drink from. Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
My understanding is that mugs are made from clay with a finish. I have no way of knowing how pure or impure the clay might be, and Pier One probably doesn’t know either.
I would take the mug back to Pier One and get a new one.
