What other than lead do mirrors have on their backing?

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QUESTION: What other than lead do mirrors have on their backing? - 27 Jul 2007 NSW, Australia

Hi,

We have read on the internet that mirrors use lead on their backing. I have also read that aluminium is used.

Greatly appreciated if you could clear this up.

Kind Regards,

John.

ANSWER: 02 Jun 2009

Dear John,

We deeply apologize for the delay in response to your email. We have had a lack of staff who answer the incoming email.

Regarding your very good question on lead use in mirrors, I have searched and found that there are actually lead free mirrors where they use ZINC, and not aluminium, instead of lead on the backing of mirrors. You may wish to read more about this on the following website:
Lead-free mirrors and environmentally safe manufacture thereof United States Patent 5215832. Please read to the end of the article, they have some interesting details.

Regards,

Iman Hegazi

MBBS, MD. Forensic Medicine and Toxicology