Overview
- Traditional Bleigießen kits have been barred from sale across the EU since April 2018 under the chemicals regulation.
- Consumer tests found the old casting figures often contained more than 70% lead, vastly exceeding the legal threshold.
- Health warnings cite risks from touch, hand-to-mouth transfer and heating fumes, with children at particular risk.
- Retail searches now surface wax- and tin-casting sets that replicate the ritual without lead, including widely available online options.
- Current New Year guides emphasize simple DIY wax-casting using a spoon, a candle and cold water, with step-by-step instructions.