For Immediate Release
April 7, 2003
Release # 03-105
CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson (301) 504-7051
CPSC Bans Candles With Lead-Cored Wicks
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
voted unanimously to ban the manufacture and sale of lead-cored wicks
and candles with lead-cored wicks. CPSC determined that candles using
lead-cored wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young
children. The federal ban, which applies to all domestic and imported
candles, should deter manufacturers from making non-conforming wicks,
allow the U.S. Customs Service to stop shipments of non-conforming wicks
and candles, and allow for the CPSC to seek penalties for violations of
the ban.
"Over the past 30 years, CPSC has been at the forefront of
protecting the nation's children from the hazards associated with lead,"
said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "The ban of lead-cored candlewicks
should give parents with young children peace of mind that the burning
of votive, pillar or container candles will not emit a dangerous toxin."
A CPSC investigation found that despite a voluntary industry
agreement in the 1970s to remove lead from candle wicks, a small
percentage of candles sold in the past several years still contained
lead-cored wicks. CPSC staff found that some lead-cored wicks could
emit relatively large amounts of lead into the air during burning.
Children may then inhale the vaporized lead, placing them at risk.
Children may also be exposed to lead by mouthing objects on which lead
has settled or by handling such objects and then mouthing their hands.
Some of the candles tested by CPSC staff emitted lead levels in
excess of 3,000 micrograms per hour - about seven times the rate that
could lead to elevated levels of lead in a child. CPSC estimates that an
indoor air lead level of 430 micrograms per hour from burning candles
could result in hazardous exposure to children.
Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems,
learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation. Although
the primary source of lead poisoning in the United States is lead from
paint in older homes, lead accumulates in the body, and even exposure to
small amounts of lead can contribute to the overall level of lead in the
blood.
Safe alternatives to lead-cored wicks, including zinc, synthetic
fibers, cotton and paper, are used by most candle and candle wick
manufacturers. Currently, candles that use a metallic core in the wick
most likely contain zinc. Because consumers cannot tell if a metal-
cored wick contains lead or an alternative, consumers may wish to
contact the retailer for information about the materials used in their
candles.
The CPSC was petitioned to ban candlewicks containing lead cores
and candles with such wicks by Public Citizen, the National Apartment
Association, and National Multi Housing Council on February 20, 2001.
The ban against manufacturing, importing, or selling candles with
lead wicks will become effective in October 2003.
Some container, pillar, votive, and tealight candles use metal wicks and
CPSC found that some contained lead.
Tapers, commonly used as dinner candles, use cotton wicks and do not contain lead.