bleifrei

Bleifrei is a German term used on products and packaging to indicate that a material or item contains no lead or only trace amounts below typical detection in normal use. The word is formed from Blei, the German word for lead, and frei, free.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal; exposure can occur through ingestion or inhalation, and both adults and children are at risk. To reduce health and environmental impacts, many jurisdictions regulate lead use and require disclosure or elimination in consumer goods. In the European Union, directives governing hazardous substances restrict the use of lead in various products, and labeling with bleifrei is often used to signal compliance.

Bleifrei labeling appears in diverse sectors. In electronics, it commonly denotes lead-free solders such as tin-based alloys used instead of traditional tin–lead solders. In metalware, pewter and jewelry are marketed as bleifrei to emphasize the absence of lead in alloys. In ceramics and glazes, bleifrei asserts that the glaze is formulated to avoid lead release. In toys and consumer goods, bleifrei branding is used to communicate safety to customers and to comply with consumer protection rules.

Important caveats: the term is not uniformly regulated across all products or countries, and the absence of a visible lead label does not guarantee zero lead content. Verification may rely on third-party testing and certification. Consumers should consult product specifications for exact material content.