The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·76086·Announced 1976-12-10

CPSC Warns of Lead Exposure Risk from Candles with Lead-Core Wicks

The CPSC issued a warning regarding candles with lead-core wicks, noting that while individual exposure is low, cumulative lead intake poses health risks, particularly for children.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a high-risk pathogen/toxin (lead) with documented severe health consequences (brain damage in children), but the source explicitly states that the amount of lead vapor is small and does not present an unreasonable health hazard by itself, and no specific illnesses or injuries are reported in this notice.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning on December 10, 1976, regarding candles containing lead-core wicks. The agency identified American Wick Company and Queens Braidworks, Inc. as producers of lead-core wicking that was being used in candles, primarily in glass container candles and votive lights used by churches. The CPSC noted that while the amount of lead vapor released by a single candle is small and does not present an unreasonable health hazard on its own, the additional lead exposure could be problematic for individuals already exposed to other sources of lead, such as lead-based paint in older housing or high concentrations of automobile exhaust.

The Commission highlighted that the hazards of lead poisoning are well-documented, with specific risks of brain damage for infants and young children. Although the industry had largely discontinued the use of lead-core wicks following a 1973 petition, the CPSC discovered that three firms were still producing the wicking. One firm ceased production, while American Wick Company and Queens Braidworks, Inc. continued to produce it. The CPSC stated that the continued use of lead-core wicks may be unwise given the known harmful effects of lead ingestion and the ready availability of adequate substitutes.

Consumers are advised that they can identify candles with lead-core wicking by peeling back the surrounding cotton braid to expose the lead wire running through the center. The CPSC is considering various options, including a labeling requirement to identify such candles, and reminds consumers and manufacturers of the potentially harmful effects associated with the continued use of lead wicks.

The recalled product

Product
American Wick Company candles with lead-core candle wicks
Manufacturer
American Wick
Category
Consumer Product — Candles
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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