High-acid foods can dissolve lead from the glaze and the lead can leach into the food. Lead foil is sometimes used to cap corked wine bottles. Small amounts of the lead foil can be absorbed into the wine as the wine is poured. Rehydrated dried foods or foods that require extensive boiling can contain high levels of lead. As water is boiled, the concentration of lead and other trace minerals increases.
Leaded crystal can be a source of lead contamination.
Lead is added to glass to increase its brilliance, density and strength. Lead can be as much as 30 percent of the glass weight. When liquid stands in leaded crystal, lead can become part of the liquid. The longer liquid stands, the more lead will leach into the liquid. Wine or alcohol stored in leaded crystal for a long time could be unsafe to drink.