Are Your Candles slowly poisoning You? Part 2

The Hidden Danger in the Wick - Lead Exposure?

Many people focus on the wax or fragrance in candles (which is important), but the wick itself can be just as harmful — especially in older or imported candles.

Some candles — especially those made before 2003 or imported from countries with looser regulations — contain metal-core wicks.

These were used to help the wick stand upright while burning.

But the metal used?

Often lead.

Why Lead Wicks Are a Big Problem

When burned, candles with lead-core wicks can release dangerous levels of lead vapor into the air, which -

Accumulates in the body over time
Can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system
Is especially harmful to children, pregnant women, and pets
Has no safe level of exposure, according to the CDC

Lead in general is a big problem.

If you live near a smelter, sometimes toxic levels of metals are released.

These may include sulfur dioxide (rotten egg smell), heavy metals (like lead, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, copper, and nickel), and particulate matter.

*** FYI - Zinc & Copper need to be in the proper ratio in the body or all kinds of conditions arise.

Studies found that burning just one lead-wicked candle for a few hours in a small room could result in lead levels far exceeding EPA safety standards.

Although the U.S. & Canada banned lead-core wicks in 2003, they can still show up in-

Imported candles (especially cheap or unlabeled ones)
Older candles you may still have in storage
DIY or handmade candles from unregulated sources (like flea markets or online shops)

How to Spot a Safer Wick

Look at the tip of the wick before lighting. If you see a thin metal wire, don’t burn it.
Rub the wick on white paper — if it leaves a gray mark, it might contain lead.
Buy from brands that state "lead-free cotton wick", hemp wick, or wood wick.
Choose candles made in countries with strong safety standards (U.S., Canada, EU, Australia).

Even a “natural” candle made with beeswax or soy becomes toxic if the wick contains lead.

Often candles are lit in areas with little air flow - for obvious reasons.

Even more reason to pick the right candle.

When it comes to your health and indoor air quality, every component of the candle matters — the wax, the fragrance, and the wick.

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