New Year's tradition: Why is lead casting forbidden?

2022-12-28T10:56:15.865Z

New Year's tradition: Why is lead casting forbidden? Created: 12/28/2022, 8:59 am By: Omer Kayali Pouring lead has not been allowed in the EU since 2018. © photographyMK/PantherMedia Lead casting has not been allowed in the EU for several years. So on New Year's Eve you have to resort to alternatives. Note to our readers: We create product comparisons and deals for you. To make this possible

New Year's tradition: Why is lead casting forbidden?

Created: 12/28/2022, 8:59 am

By: Omer Kayali

Pouring lead has not been allowed in the EU since 2018.

Lead casting has not been allowed in the EU for several years.

So on New Year's Eve you have to resort to alternatives.

Note to our readers:

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This changes nothing for you.

Pouring lead is a New Year's Eve tradition for many, like raclette or fondue.

However, since 2018 there have been restrictions on handling lead within the EU, so you will no longer find any lead casting sets with a high lead content on the market.

The EU chemicals regulation prescribes a limit of 0.3 percent, the lead content of lead casting sets is usually far higher.

The EU requirement is understandable as lead is a heavy metal and harmful if inhaled or swallowed.

In addition, when casting lead, there is a risk of lead coming into contact with the skin.

In more serious cases, lead can cause rashes, sores, and even skin damage that can result in scarring or discoloration of the skin.

Occasionally, lead casting sets are still available that contain information on how to protect against health risks.

However, it is advisable to use alternatives due to the health risks.

You can find plenty of these in stores.

What are the best alternatives to lead casting?

Wax Casting
: Instead of lead, you can use wax to cast and interpret shapes.
There is special casting wax in different colors that is easy to use.
Wax casting has established itself as one of the most common alternatives.
Tin casting
: Sets with tin instead of lead are also suitable as a substitute.
The material has very similar properties and the principle is the same.
As with lead casting, tin casting involves heating the metal in a bowl until it becomes liquid.
It is then cooled in a container with water and you can interpret the resulting shape.
However, it is also important to be careful when pouring pewter - ideally wear gloves and ventilate the room well.

Wax casting set for up to 6 people - €9.99

Weidebach wax casting set © Weidebach

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Wax that is harmless to health
Including a booklet with over 500 interpretations
6 figures included for casting

Pewter casting set for up to 10 people - €12.74

Pewter casting set by com-four © com-four

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Harmless to health and environmentally friendly alternative to lead casting
Including oracle booklet on the back of the packaging
Set includes 2 spoons and 10 pewter figures

Pewter casting set for up to 12 people - €12.98

Robin Goods Pewter Casting Set © Robin Goods

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Harmless to health and environmentally friendly alternative
Oracle book included
3 spoons and 12 pewter figures included

The origin of the lead casting tradition

The tradition of casting lead on New Year's Eve goes back to the old customs of oracles.

Many people used to believe that by pouring metals into water, one could predict the future.

Lead was one of the most popular metals because it was easy to work and cast into various shapes.

Alternatives to wax or pewter casting

On New Year's Eve you can also pass the time with other gimmicks.

For example with the following products:

Gummy Bear Oracle – €10

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The Gummy Bear Oracle is an excellent kid-friendly alternative to wax or pewter casting.
They pull five gummy bears out of a bag with their eyes closed.
The order and color combination determine what the oracle predicts.
A total of 126 combinations are possible.
Each one is original and fun.