In reply to a letter in the August issue of Tableware Int, sent by Paul Montegriffo, sales director of Gibralter Crystal (Quality Glass without Lead), Mr Eric Dancer, MD of Dartington Crystal, suggests that Gibralter Crystal is using a barium-based batch for the manufacture of their crystal. Mr Dancer points out that the International Crystal Federation has not recommended the use of barium as an alternative as data on the possible harmful effects is not available - he also states that Dartington, along with other leading crystal producers, is currently undertaking research to assess the effect of lead substitutes, & the data will be published when the work is completed. Mr Dancer states in his view it is unacceptable to use unproven & untested alternatives to lead in the manufacture of consumer products.
