In recent months there has been a great deal of concern over the potential for lead emissions from candles. While recent studies have concluded that lead core wicks can emit unhealthy levels of airborne lead, there have also been questions as to whether other types of metal core wicks can also emit lead.

Atkins & Pearce produces a full line of candlewicks. Roughly 20% of our wicks use either a zinc or tin wire in the center of the wick. This wire is used to support the wick and keep it centered in the deeper wax pools that develop in jar candle, votive, and tea light applications. The wire is also useful in sustaining the position of the wick during the wax pouring process.  Additionally, many candle makers find that the zinc or tin wire transmits heat from the flame down into the wax pool.  This provides a larger wax pool for a given flame size.  As a result, many find that in jar and container applications, they can use a smaller flame, that keeps the jar cooler, and still melt the wax to the edge.

The zinc and tin wire used in Atkins & Pearce wick are not lead alloys; they are pure zinc and tin. Like all nonferrous metals, the zinc and tin have traces of lead impurities. For the tin the maximum lead content is 0.08%, and for the zinc the maximum lead content is 0.004%. Any nonferrous metal will have similar trace elements of lead.

 To ensure the safety of the zinc and tin core wicks, Atkins & Pearce has commissioned closed chamber burn tests.  In these tests candles with both the tin and the zinc core wick were burned in closed chambers.  A filter captured the emissions of the candles.  When the filters were analyzed, no lead was found for either the zinc or the tin cored wicks.  To review the full text of the studies, please refer to our web site at www.braidway.com.  The testing was performed by Ungers and Associates.

In all events, proper safety precautions should always be used during candle burning. Never leave a burning candle unattended, never burn a candle near or on combustible material (like drapes), use appropriate flame resistant candle holders, make sure the candle fits properly into the holder, and keep children and pets safely away from burning candles.  Keep in mind that candles will emit smoke when the flame is disturbed, so it is important not to burn candles in a draft.  If your candles do smoke, extinguish the flame and discard.

     Sincerely,

     Jeb Head, President
     Atkins & Pearce, Inc.