Candle Dangers

[phoenixsong]

I read an article recently that said candles release lead toxins into the air. It's because of the way the wick is dipped in lead during the manufacturing process. Is this true? I'd consider the magazine I read it in to be a pretty reliable source.

[WandererInGray]

*smiles* Only with candles that have a lead metal insert in the wick....it's pretty easy to see on most candles. There's a cloth braid of some kind wrapped around it to soak up the wax, but the metal itself is usually visible. An easy test is to cut a piece of the wick off and take it apart.

However, there are candles available without this, and luckily they are pretty easy to find. You can also avoid them by making your own.

http://www.leadfreecandles.org/

For more information, click on the link above. While not all candles with metal wicks are dangerous, I just avoid them to be on the safe side.

[Xander67]

when I first started to learn how to make candles, oh bout 8 years ago, I actually used the metal based wicks at first, I HATED THEM, I will not use them, they are actually harder to work with...

[shnen]

you also have to be careful of what the candle itself is made of. pure beeswax candles are the best, if you get some of those gel or "styrofoam" type candles, they also release toxins in the air.

[phoenixsong]

Great link, Wanderer-In-Grey, it was very informative. But I'm going to have to stop using my candles, as they all seem to have a metal insert. I wish those lead candles were banned here. Ah, well, till I find some reliable ones, I can use the virtual candle site someone posted a link to. :)

[WandererInGray]

*smiles* Actually Hon, you probably don't need to waste the candles...just burn them with a window open or something, and make sure that the new ones you buy are metal free.

[SweetLover661]

I heard that using candles with the metal in the wick is what releases toxins in the air ... although I've never had any problems with them, and there the only ones I use. For me they always seem to burn the best. The candles without the metal always seem to release black smoke in the air ... especially those gel candles. To be on the safe side ... I'd always make sure there's a sufficient amount of ventilation when burning any candles.

[ChelleOfShadows]

I make my own candles. I make Gel candles, Beeswax candles, and soy wax candles. I used to buy the wicks at the store, however, I got a book from the library and learned how to make my own. I had a thread on this elsewhere, I inscribed my candle jars, not my candles. HOWEVER, the point here is, make your own, it is really cheaper in the long run. And as for black smoke, keep your wicks trimmed and you will not get smoke. I would not be worried about lead if you have good ventalation. We have been using lead based wicks in store bought candles for years.