Nov. 19, 1999

Thursday, we told you about a new study released by the American Lung Association, claiming scented candles may emit lead and benzene-- substances which could be harmful to children.

Today News Specialist Stacey Butler talked with some local candlemakers who claim their product is safe.

In the wake of the report that warns consumers about the hazards issued earlier this week --They along with dozens of other local candle manufacturers are sending a resounding message.

In a $2.1 billion a year industry, Lindon Spring Candle Company is a fairly new player. Employees pour richly scented waxes in their Utah County plant. And in order to do so, they have to follow strict guidelines.

Reed Hainsworth/Lindon Spring Farm Candles: "Wax is regulated. Fragrance is regulated and according to the regulatory agencies that govern our industry, they are all proven to be safe."

But Reed Hainsworth admits he's not sure exactly what's inside scented candles. He trusts the agencies that regulate his business to make sure they are safe. He likens burning a scented candle to using food coloring.

Reed Hainsworth: "You don't know what's in that food coloring. You just know that it's regulated and hope the manufacturer has conformed."

Park City candle maker, Frank Frederick, says when it comes to exact ingredients, some candle companies are in the dark.

Frank Frederick/Legends Candles: "Many candle manufacturers don't know what they're really burning."

On their website the National Candle Association says candles are safe when burned properly and responsibly.

But the American Lung Association claims scented candles emit benzene, a carcinigen released from parafin and candles with a shiny wick emit lead.

Dozens of candle makers across the valley are concerned. After lead wicks were outlawed years ago, they say they only use zinc wicks in order to avoid lead emissions. But the University of Michigan study says not even those are 100% safe. It states: "Lead was detected in small quantities in emissions from zinc based wicks, suggesting lead may be a common contaminent in the zinc, wick or wax. Levels of lead are small, but it may represent a health risk over a long period of time."

Frank Frederick: "Many people use a zinc core wick because it is fairly inexpensive, but it is lead."

Frank Frederick refuses to use zinc or paraffin because of potential health risks, but he says the study itself is overblown.

Frank Frederick: "You get more benzene from standing outside your car in the middle of traffic in one breath than you get from burning a candle for forty hours."

The study didn't release candle brand names. But local manufacturers have some tips of what to look for in a candle.

• If you see wet streaks or water marks on the candle it means it has been over scented which means when it burns more soot and releases more chemical compounds into the air.
• Never let a candle burn more than a half inch from the bottom--that's where most of the impurities are trapped.

National Candle Association