"Help identifying substance on old miniature packaging" Topic

Hello, all! Newbie here, with a question.

I purchased some old Legions of the Petal Throne minis and there is a reddish powdery substance in the baggie/pack. I am not sure what it is. My first thought was that it was some old foam that disintegrated, or some kind of powder/sawdust packing. But I'm not sure. Does anyone know what it might be?

I have a pic on my Google Drive if anyone is interested in seeing what I am referring to. Thanks in advance for any assistance!

drive.google.com/file/d/1OS66JFpFF05cI_e_NFJoIYIIyk0x1jas/view?usp=sharing

Sorry, can't see the pic, as it asks for a Sign In.
But I'd guess old foam, as I've found crumbly dry foam in some really ancient blister packs in my collection… ;-)

Depending on the metal mix, could it be lead rot and something else? link

I seem to remember EPT stuff in a blister pack with foam, so I'd endorse Zephyr's guess.

Google wants me to join something. I'm not going to.

While the era of figure could be subject to lead-rot, the color is not right. Lead Acetate (The end product of lead rot is colorless) gives you a white or very light gray bloom of crystals.

I suspect Zephyr1 is on the right track. Not from the figure but something associated. Decomposed foam is a good thought, or perhaps a mold release powder. I am sure I have some of this line stored away. I will try and find them and see what I find.

It would be most helpful to actually see the photo.
Lord Dynel: You may want to read through this guide on formatting and posting images.
TMP link

It is definitely foam packing and probably started out an ochre colour. First it goes a bit sticky and adheres to whatever is packed in it. Next it goes brown and finally goes to a lumpy red-brown dust. A very similar product was used in cheap carpet underlay up until fairly recently.

Mould release powder was usually either graphite, carbon dust or talc in the early days.

Sorry guys, I had a wait time before I could reply. Weird how I could post a new topic though!

I am (hopefully) including a pic below. I think I agree with Zephyr as well – it looks like, from some pics I was able to find, that there used to be foam inside the packs.

EDIT: Looks like it worked! :)

Just an FYI, I googled EPT minis on Ebay, & I saw 2 of the types above going for $100 USD…

Damon.

Absolutely decomposed foam!

Take a pinch, put into a jar with water, it will float.
Shake the jar and let set, none will dissolve.
Take another pinch, put on a metal dish, hold a light match to it, and it will burn.

Will not affect the miniatures. Will blow and/or wash right off.