About Pure Earth Mexico
Pure Earth Mexico has developed high-impact country programs to eradicate the use of lead glazes in Mexican pottery.
The Challenge
Lead poisoning in Mexico is a major problem. It affects many aspects of society. According to the 2019 National Health Study, ENSANUT, almost 20 percent of children have lead levels in blood at dangerous levels. In some states close to 50 percent are affected. It is the poor who suffer the most. Lead at these levels causes permanent brain damage in babies.
Leaded Pottery
In Mexico, the main source of lead poisoning is the glaze used in artisanal Mexican pottery. These pots, an iconic Mexican tradition, are usually made in small, family-run kilns, often by indigenous communities. The lead is used in the glaze to prevent liquids from leaching and to give color and shine. Lead poisoning is a serious problem in the homes of these artisans as well as their customers, where very high levels of lead in soil and blood can be found.
The solution is straightforward. They can transition to using lead-free glaze, which is similarly priced and has a similar appearance. Training is needed to change to that glaze, as there are important differences in technique, and changes in glaze sourcing. Some kilns may need to be upgraded, and the areas surrounding the converted kilns need to be remediated.
By supporting Pure Earth Mexico, you contribute to preserving a rich cultural heritage while ensuring the health and well-being of future generations. The smiles of children growing up free from the dangers of lead poisoning and the pride of potter families continuing their craft safely are at the heart of our mission. Together, we can eliminate the devastating effects of lead poisoning and empower communities to thrive with sustainable, lead-free practices. Join us in our mission to protect lives and uphold the tradition of Mexican pottery in a safe and sustainable way. Change requires a concerted effort from many sectors.
Get to know CREA; a specialized website for potters who want to transition to lead-free pottery.
Country Programs
Projects

Artisans and Restaurateurs for a lead free table.
News Coverage
Toxic and unknown. Lead in our food and our table, El Financiero. (July, 2024)
Women Potters: The Transformative Power of Lead-Free Pottery, El Financiero. (May, 2024)
A call for not using lead in pottery, Luces del Siglo. (April, 2024)
Organization promotes producing lead-free pottery, El Universal. (March, 2024)
Warning about health damage to potters in Puebla due to lead, Central Puebla. (March, 2024)
Lead in food: these are some of the products in which the toxic metal has been detected, Milenio. (February,2024)
An enemy among us: Lead and its hidden role in heart disease, El Financiero. (February, 2024)
Mexican scientists find lead in food, Proceso. (February, 2024)
They will launch a platform to train potters, 88.9 Noticias. (January, 2024)
Making lead-free pottery dishes is possible, YoInfluyo. (January, 2024)
Mexico in the future: a lead-free country, El Financiero. (December, 2023)
The number of deaths worldwide due to lead in the blood is increasing, Síntesis. (October, 2023)
Knowledge Materials
Find public education materials and research:
- Poster to educate community members on how to test if their pottery contains led
- Pamphlet for community members on the process and effects of lead poisoning, as well as the legal improvements that have been made overtime to limit lead exposure
- Pamphlet given to community members explaining the Barro Aprobado Project and the effects of lead poisoning
AGUSTIN GAMA
Country Director
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JESUS MALDONADO
Director of Operations
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NETZY PERALTA
Programs Director
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CARMINA JURE CADERÓN
Institutional Development Coordinator
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ELISSA MARIE RASCÓN
Communications Coordinator
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