This was a kit sold for children 12 and up, which let them create metal soldiers and other figures. The kit included a crucible, a heating unit, and lead ingots that you would melt in the crucible, to then pour the molten lead into molds.
I assume you could then paint the resulting figures, if you wanted.
Here is a photo showing those components. The crucible and electric heater are on the right. I suppose(?) you would file or trim away the flashing and pour-funnel from the final cast figure, but this photo shows the result straight out of the molds.
Ages 12 and up.
Yeah, seems likely. Lower level but constant exposure from that, and directly into the lungs, too.
I bet this kit could vary a lot, depending on just how you played with it. Like did you have your head over the crucible inhaling fumes, or off to the side? Did you wash your hands after handling the figures and before eating food? Etc.
I would bet the difference is mainly between who chewed on their toys versus not, who washed their hands before eating with their hands versus not