The Minister for Financial Services and Regulation, Joe Hockey, today announced that he has banned the sale of candles with wicks that contain lead.
The candles can be identified by a silvery or dark lead core in the fabric of the wick. They are unbranded, and come in a variety of styles, shapes and colours and may be marked "Made in China"
"Public health experts have confirmed that lead emissions from any source pose an unacceptable public health risk and can result increased blood lead levels in unborn babies, babies and young children," the Minister said.
The Minister advised that an independent investigator had provided the Department with a report demonstrating that these candles, when burned in an enclosed space for a long period, release dangerously high levels of lead into the atmosphere.
"The report concluded that children and infants would be most likely to be at risk. Accordingly I issued an immediate warning notice that the candles were under investigation and advised consumers to stop using the candles until the Department had established the extent of the safety hazard".
The Minister advised that the Department had contacted known suppliers who immediately agreed to remove the candles from sale until the results of the investigation were released.
"I commend those suppliers for acting responsibly to protect the health and safety of consumers" the Minister said.
"Lead is a dangerous poison and Australia is committed to reducing lead emissions in air and minimising exposure to lead. Public health experts have confirmed that the candles pose a risk to public health if burned in a confined space.
"Accordingly I have issued an immediate banning order and would urge my State and Territory Ministerial colleagues to do the same," the Minister said.