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hey guys,
quick question that occured to me and is a little worrying that i couldnt find the info with a google search, but do the games workshop and privateer press metal models contain lead? do other smaller independant miniature companies use lead? when working with metal or plastic models should i be wearing a mask?
thanks for the help guys

They don't necessarily give away their recipes, but GW's and PPs are lead free. That said, there could well be other bad stuff in them. Antimony is a common additive for non-lead based castings and that stuff is a heavy metal and toxic as well (though I don't think it's as bad as lead poisoning).

I don't wear a mask, but I do use a knife to scrape and very rarely file. I generally do things in a way to minimize the dust. Maybe I should wear a mask.

Other makes might well cast with lead. Just ask any you're interested in and I'm sure they'll tell you if they're products contain lead.

NOOOOO scary thouhgt mae.....it..gu...awy......(collapses from over filing model)

i dont think they do.

rook2887 wrote:hey guys,
quick question that occured to me and is a little worrying that i couldnt find the info with a google search, but do the games workshop and privateer press metal models contain lead? do other smaller independant miniature companies use lead? when working with metal or plastic models should i be wearing a mask?
thanks for the help guys

GW models have been lead free since 1997: http://www.lead.org.au/lasn/lasn014.html

Still, it certainly can't hurt to wear a mask while cutting or filing metal or plastic models - even inert particles can irritate the lungs.

Other smaller mini makers do sometimes still use lead, so probably a good idea to keep them away from children and don't chew on them. :-)

Some makers still use lead (there are allowances in gaming circles and regulations. Most of the restrictions regarding lead in models apply to "toys". If it is not considered a "toy", more lee-way is applied).

GW and Privateer don't use lead in general. Reaper does, but only a specific range of their stuff is made this way.

Don't put the bits in your mouth. File or sand with a dust mask. Lead is a slow-acting accumulative toxin - you wouldn't know for some time if you had absorbed a sufficient dose to be harmful.

I would recommend wearing a mask when you file no matter what your medium is. Nearly any inhaled particulates are hazardous to your lungs, long term.