Soy Candles

When candles were first used the wick was made from braided cotton dipped into the candle wax to help stiffen it and keep it from burning down to rapidly.  Along the way the cotton wick became obsolete.  People decided they wanted a really stiff wick and added lead to it. 

In 1973 research conducted by the Health Research Group stated that lead-wick candles emitted toxic levels of lead.  This was similar to that of lead based paints being a potential risk of lead poisoning to children, if ingested.  The wick had to be burnt to emit the toxins.  Unfortunately, the petition made by this group was not recognized and granted until the year 2000.

Health risks to lead exposure include involvement with the nervous system and the cardiovascular and blood systems.  The risks affect both the adult and child, with children being more at risk since their bodies systems are still in developmental stages.

Lead-wick candles are still being sold in places like bargain and discount type stores and are being imported from overseas.  To assure your candle does not have a lead-wick, look at the label.  If this doesn’t show what kind of wick it is, then look at the wick itself.  If you notice a very thin metal core in the center of the wick, it is a lead-wick candle.  Lead-wicks will burn with more smoke and when extinguished continue to smoke for several minutes after.

Our soy candles are made with lead-free, natural cotton wicks.  They are safe for the environment and for your health.  Our wood wick soy candles have a unique wooden wick that crackles when it burns.  Help promote wick safety by choosing to burn cotton or wooden wicks.  Your health and children will thank-you.