Lead Wicks in Candles Banned

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced plans to ban the use of lead in candle wicks. The CPSC voted 3-0 to initiate rule making to eliminate the use of the metal in candle wicks, citing the risk of lead poisoning for children that these products represent. The ban is likely to take effect before the end of 2001.

According to the CPSC, burning a candle with a lead-core wick can result in the emission of relatively large amounts of lead. Children exposed to lead can ingest it through inhalation or through residue distributed throughout the area near where the candle was burned—either by mouthing a surface directly or hand-to-mouth contact. The agency also noted that residue from a lead-core wick can remain on household surfaces for a long period of time, presenting an extended continuing risk of harm.

Granting a petition filed by Public Citizen, the National Apartment Association, and the National Multi Housing Council, the agency noted that some candles containing lead-core wicks can release more than 2,200 micrograms of lead per hour. This amount is about five times the amount of lead required to cause elevated lead blood levels in children, and a hazard to children exists when they are exposed to more than 440 micrograms per hour.

Exposure to lead and heightened lead blood levels can lead to permanent central nervous system damage, resulting in abnormal development, abnormal behavior, and intellectual deficits.

The CPSC and the candle industry have had a voluntary agreement to ban lead-core wicks in candles since 1974. The metal is used to keep the wick straight while burning. However, some researchers estimate that nearly 10 to 30 percent of all candles sold in the United States contain lead wicks. The agency, recognizing that lead-core candles are still being sold throughout the country, is advising consumers not to burn any candles containing metal-core wicks. The CPSC claims that metal-core wicks are nearly indistinguishable, but notes that container, pillar, votive, and tealight candles are the most likely to contain the dangerous metal.

The following companies have warranted to the CPSC that they will not sell candles containing lead wicks until the regulation takes effect: Pier 1; Gap; Wal-Mart; Michaels Stores; Winn-Dixie; Frank's Nursery & Crafts; Ahold/USA, parent of Stop & Shop, Giant, Tops and Peapod; Blyth, parent of PartyLite; Bullfrog Light Company; Atlanta Candle Factory; and Mom's Kitchen Candles. The National Candle Association has a list on the CPSC Web site of candle manufacturers that have vowed not to manufacture lead-core wicks.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic