[Harp-L] Are there toxic materials in harps?

[doug cole]

Hi all-

Question for those who know more about the manufacturing of harps than I do... What kind of metal are the coverplates of most harps made of? Do they have they any percentage of lead in them or aluminum.Also, brass contains a certain percentage of lead which I guess in theory over time could cause exposure. Since I put those things in my mouth for many hours a week, I would like to know more about what exactly they are made of and are there any potential health effects. I mainly play Hohner harps, but also play some Lee Oskars, Suzuki and Seidels.