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65
Lead Chromate in "Egg Powder." An interesting sample of egg-powder
was taken in June, 1915, which proved on analysis to be coloured with
chromate of lead.
The matter was brought to our knowledge through the Local Government
Board, lead chromate having been found in a sample of egg powder which
was purchased in a London suburb and was found to have been made in
St. Pancras.
The powder was made by a cornchandler who sold it in four shops of his own
in and about Loudon, but did not supply other shopkeepers. He readily
admitted that the pigment employed was "chrome yellow (medium)," which
he obtained from an oil and colour shop, and that the formula in use was 2 oz.
of chrome yellow to 14 lb. of "egg powder." He further said that he had no
idea that chrome yellow contained lead and that he, and his father before him,
had made "egg powder" in this way for many years. He had never heard
of any ill effects from its use, although it was used in his own household.
The Public Analyst returned the powder as containing 0.56 per cent. (39.2
grains per lb.) of lead chromate (Pb Cr O4) which is equivalent to 0.358 per
cent. (25.06 grains per lb.) of lead and 0'088 per cent. (6.l6 grains per lb.) of
chromium. The pigment was not evenly distributed, however, and in one portion
he found as much as 1.40 per cent. (98"0 grains per lb.) of Pb Cr O4, equal to
0.895 per cent. (62.65 grains per lb.) of lead and 0.228 per cent. (15.96 grains
per lb.) of chromium.
"Egg powder" is ordinary baking-powder to which a yellow pigment has
been added in order to give cakes, etc., a colour similar to that produced by
eggs. Food made with this particular "egg powder" would contain enough
lead chromate to give it a perceptible yellow tint. The instructions given
with the powder were "a full tea-spoonful to 1 lb. of flour."
It is interesting to note that no case of lead poisoning from the use of this
"egg powder " had come to our notice.
A number of samples of various makes of "egg powder" and "custard
powder" were taken in consequence of this discovery, but they were found to
be free from poisonous metals.
The Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations, 1912.
The following is the Report of the Administration in connection with the
above regulations asked for by the Local Government Board.