Colorful dishes with attractive patterns become a new obsession and trending nowadays, especially among housewives. The dishes that was becoming a trend were called enamelware or better known as mangkuk ayan.
Although vintage designs on mangkuk ayan are back, peoples do not realize the effects and dangers of it towards health. Problems can occur if this product is produced by an unknown manufacturer as contamination of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and uranium can occur.
These harmful chemicals are commonly used to give attractive colors to the surface of dishes or bowls.
According to Public Health Malaysia, the effects of chemical pollution risk will give problems to the development of children’s brains. In the long term, organ damage can occur such as kidney, liver, bone, and cancer damage.
The latest viral dishes are mangkuk ayan or known as enamelware. Yes, it is a vintage design plate that been trending nowadays.
To produce enamelware dishes, the base is made of steel, iron or aluminum. The material will be coated with porcelain at a certain temperature.
For branded products like Le Creuset and products from known factories, you do not have to worry because the production of these products will go through strict quality inspection. This is important to ensure that it is free from harmful chemicals especially heavy metals.
The safety may not be guaranteed if the product is from an unknown manufacturer. In addition, the use of mangkuk ayan is also not recommended as previous regulations are not strict.
Using damaged mangkuk ayan such as cracks, dents, scratches and rust should also be avoided.
The main concern is the contamination of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and uranium. The ingredients are usually to give an attractive color to the mangkuk ayan.
The effects of exposure to this substance cause the risk of brain development problems in children. It will also damage to other organs such as kidneys, liver, bones and cancer.
Also, if you want to use antique mangkuk ayan, use it as decoration, pots or others. If you are new to this product, put your safety first by choosing a product that has been proven safe.
For ceramic product manufacturers who do not have product quality certification, please apply for recognition from MOH (Food Safety Division) to confirm that your product is free of heavy metal contamination.
Sources: Public Health Malaysia