The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator Ian Campbell, today announced a permanent ban on the sale of candles with wicks containing more than .06 per cent of lead. This follows a temporary ban imposed in September 1999 and again in March last year.
"The temporary ban has proven to be very effective over the last three years, but a permanent ban will ensure these hazardous products do not return to the market," Senator Campbell said.
"Public health experts in both Australia and the United States have confirmed that lead emissions from any source pose an unacceptable health risk to public health if burned in a confined space.
"The increased use of candles for aromatherapy and home fragrance products in general highlight the importance of ensuring that Australian consumers are permanently protected from candles containing lead."
Australia was the first country in the world to ban candles containing any lead in wicks. However following expert advice that trace amounts of lead in zinc candle wicks does not result in harmful lead emissions, the ban was amended to the .06 per cent level.
The banned candles can be identified by a silvery or dark lead core in the fabric of the wick. They are unbranded, come in a variety of styles, shapes and colours and may be marked with their country of manufacture.
PERTH
1 November 2002
Contact: Wayne Grant 08 9421 1755 or 0407 845 280