Here it was specifically about lead. There were several industries here that were problematic, one of them is still a serious concern today. The map link shows you an area of South Australia known as The Iron Triangle. The area between Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Whyalla has some of the largest iron ore smelting and refining operations in the world and lead contamination in the region is dangerously high.Back then was that more about the lead content of crystal, or the type of vinegar used in its detection ? I ask given the present concern of vinegar itself. Which apparently has yet to be resolved presently.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-32.7235663,138.0010274,116006m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&entry=ttu
White vinegar is just cheaply made white wine, or it is here anyway. The vinegar test also works mixing water with vinegar. If the water turns black when you add vinegar then you really shouldn't be drinking that water.