It's very common in pink and green tubs. After making a number of tests, he estimates that 20 percent of cast iron tubs are leaching lead. A tub refinishing company in Atlanta, Unique Refinishers Inc., surveyed the tubs it refinished and found that up to 70 percent of cast iron and steel tubs manufactured before 1984 are leaching lead, according to the company's advertising. European Coatings' Joe Rossi said Euroglazed tubs, tested soon after recoating, show no lead leaching out. At least one company, Hawk Labs, has tested tubs reglazed eight years ago and found no lead leaching out, according to Gibson.
Children can ingest lead from the tub by drinking bathwater or by mouthing wet toys or tub edges.
It may not sound like much exposure, but over time it can be, said Gibson. The problem with lead is that it's a cumulative poison. Even the smallest amount of lead, with exposure over the years, is hazardous. When people are made more aware of this, there will be a huge demand for recoating tubs.