Cast Iron Fireplace.....Black Lead Paint?

[Gemma1984]

I hope you will be able to advise me. Ive moved into a house with a cast iron fireplace but recently noticed while cleaning the mantel piece that all black comes off!!! Im quite concerned as my little boy is 2 and hes also had black on his hands. The house is over 200 years old really worried about what is in the paint or polish and how i stop it coming off without ruining the fireplace as it looks original. Your help would be greatly appreciated

Thank you for your time

[stoneyboy]

Gemma1984,
The fire has probably been tarted up using black fire grate polish. Clean it with a soft rag to remove the excess.
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