U.S. Votes to Ban Candles With Lead

Federal regulators voted to ban candles that have lead in their wicks because of the risk that young children might inhale poisonous fumes or touch toxic lead dust on furniture.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted 2 to 1 to approve the ban, which would take effect late this year, said Ann Brown, chairwoman of the commission.

Candles with lead are being sold across the country despite a voluntary 1974 ban by U.S.-based candle companies, the commission said. Most candles with lead are imported.

Government testing found that only a small percentage of candles contain lead, but some of those that do can release up to five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children younger than 6.