EcoWaste Coalition: Refrain from Lighting Toxic Candles that Pose Lead Poisoning Risk

Yellow paraffin wax candles with lead-cored wicks in gourd-shaped glass containers

The red paraffin wax candle (left) has no lead wire on its wick, while the yellow one has lead-cored wick

Imported candles with lead-cored wicks are still being sold in some stores selling Chinese prayer articles despite a public health warning issued by the authorities.

To prevent lead emissions from the burning of such candles, the EcoWaste Coalition advised consumers to always pick and use lead safe candles.  The toxics watchdog group made the timely suggestion as the observance of the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is concluded today, and as families mark the age-old tradition commemorating All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

“With the closure of cemeteries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect many families to light candles at home in remembrance of their dearly departed,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“To avoid lead poisoning risk, we advise consumers to buy locally made candles with cotton wicks and reject imported candles with lead-cored wicks,” he said, adding that the US had banned lead in candle wicks since 2003.

While lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are the most common sources of lead poisoning in children, it is very important to eliminate other preventable sources of lead pollution, including lead emissions from the burning of candles with lead-cored wicks, the EcoWaste Coalition pointed out, noting “no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.”    

The group revealed it managed to buy on Friday a  pair of yellow paraffin wax candles with lead-cored wicks in a gourd shaped glass bottle for P180.  It was also able to buy similar red candles in a pineapple shaped glass bottle with wicks that have no lead wire on them.  The said products are labeled in foreign characters. 

According to Advisory 2016-146 issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “as a lead-cored wick candle burns, some of the lead may vaporize and be released into the air.  This airborne lead may be inhaled and may deposit onto floors, furniture and other surfaces in the room where children may be exposed to it.”

“Lead emissions from any source pose health risk and can result in increased blood lead levels in unborn babies, babies and young children,” the FDA said.  “Other toxic effects include neurological damage, delayed mental and physical development, and attention and learning deficiencies.”

To minimize health and safety risks from the burning of candles, the EcoWaste Coalition reminded the public to be mindful of these tips:

1. Pick candles with cotton or non-metal wicks, and shun those with lead-cored wicks.  
2. Carefully read the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
3. Trim wicks to ¼ inch before lighting a candle.
4. Use a sturdy candle holder.
5. Put the candle holder on a heat resistant, stable and uncluttered surface.
6. Keep candles away from curtains and other things that can burn.
7. Burn candles in a well-ventilated space, but keep them away from air currents to avoid fast burning and flare-ups.
8. Do not drop matchsticks and other objects into the wax pool. 
9. Keep burning candles out of children's reach and safe from pets.
10. Do not leave lighted candles unattended.

Reference:
https://ww2.fda.gov.ph/attachments/article/390455/FDA%20Advisory%20No.%202016-146.pdf
https://ww2.fda.gov.ph/index.php/advisories-2/cosmetic-2/112118-fda-advisory-no-2013-041