Your grandmothers antique china or her old mixing bowls can contain lead. Leaching lead from antique china may be toxic. If any of your pieces of antique or vintage china or pottery is damaged in any way (chips, cracks, crazing, etc.), dont use it in the preparation or service of food.

Are old plates safe to use?

We do not recommend not using old ware unless it shows signs of deterioration such as cracking or pitting of the glaze. This could be a sign that the glaze is disintegrating and could allow lead to leach into food. But the lead issue is still up in the air, at least until I can test the dishes.