Impact Assessment of Electroplating in the Leaching of Harmful Metals from Utensils

Abstract Electroplating is a widely used technique in the manufacturing of utensils for household and commercial use. This process involves the deposition of a metal coating onto a base material, such as steel or brass, to improve the aesthetics, durability, and corrosion resistance of the utensil. Several studies have investigated the migration of heavy metals from utensils, but there is a lack of research specifically focused on the impact of electroplating on this phenomenon. Therefore, this research article aims to assess the impact of electroplating by analyzing the migration of heavy metals from such utensils. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of electroplating on the migration of heavy metals from utensils. The research also aims to evaluate the impact of coating thickness. Stainless‐steel and brass utensils (Plate, Tumbler, and Bowl) are purchased. The samples are analyzed as per standard test methods based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) techniques. Leaching stimulant is used for extraction process. Testing is performed in an ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 accredited laboratory. The experiments reveal that the electroplating process decreased the migration of lead from the utensils. These findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and standards to ensure the safety of electroplated utensils.