A WA parliamentary question addresses the presence of lead in candle wicks and the potential health risks, referencing a US ban and confirming a similar ban already in place in Australia under Commonwealth legislation.

AnsweredQoN 1431Legislative Assembly
Asked
6 May 2003
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Is lead a component of candle-wicks sold in Western Australia?
(2) Is the Minister aware that the USA is about to ban the import, production and sale of candles with wicks containing lead due to concerns about children inhaling lead-bearing smoke or fumes from such candles when they are alight or recently extinguished?
(3) Does the Western Australian government have the power to ban the import, production and/or sale of candles containing wicks which include lead?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
15 May 2003
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
9 days
1.
Candle wicks containing lead should not be available in Western Australia. Candles with wicks containing more than 0.06% lead have been banned permanently by the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act 1974, Consumer protection Notice No. 7 of 2002.
2.
Yes. Australia has also banned such candles.
3.
Not applicable, as the Commonwealth has legislation to control the sale of candle wicks containing lead.

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