Candle makers support CPSC ban of lead wicks

Some candle wicks have a very thin metal core material used to keep the wick upright while burning.  If this core is of a lead-based composition, unsafe levels of lead can be released into the air.

"Lead cored wicks not widely available"

Some 20 years ago, North American suppliers and manufacturers voluntarily stopped using lead based wicks in candle products, and they remain generally unavailable to candle makers today.  If you've recently purchased a candle from a US producer, chances are it does not use a lead cored wick. Most metal cored wicks used today have zinc or tin as the core ingredient, and are completely safe to use in wicks. Read about Zinc wicks from the leading manufacturer of candle wicks

FACT: Testing done by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that 3% of candles available for purchase may contain unsafe levels of lead.

Take a minute to follow the steps below to see if you may be at risk.

How to tell if your candle has a lead wick:

• Inspect your candle.  Look closely at the wick - a metal cored wick has a visible 'wire' in the center.  You may need to use your fingers to separate the core from the outer wrapping.  ** If this wire core is not present, then your candle does not have a lead cored wick.  If you do see a wire core, then...

• Ask.  Contact the manufacturer of your candle, and ask them if they use lead cored wicks in their products.  We've already asked many producers for you - see the list here.  If you are unable to get an answer from the manufacturer, play it safe and DO NOT BURN YOUR CANDLE.

UNIVERSAL SPECIFICATION/TEST METHOD FOR CLASSIFYING AND MINIMIZING THE LEAD CONTENT OF METAL CORE CANDLE WICKS & TO BAN METAL CORE IMPORTED CANDLES

LeadFreeCandles.Org

Complete list of participating candle makers

Complete list of participating suppliers