Hazard type

Poisoning by inhalation

On this page

Risks and injuries from the product

Candles containing more than 0.06% of lead can cause lead poisoning when burned in an enclosed area.

Lead poisoning in unborn babies, small children and pregnant women can lead to:

  • behaviour problems
  • hearing loss
  • impaired growth
  • impaired short-term memory
  • memory loss
  • nerve disorders
  • respiratory problems
  • reproductive disorders.

Products the ban applies to

If the centre of a candle wick is made of lead, unsafe levels of lead can be released into the air while burning. You can identify these candles by a silvery or dark lead core in the fabric of the wick.

This permanent ban applies to:

  • candles with wicks containing more than 0.06% lead
  • candle wicks sold separately containing more than 0.06% lead.

The percentage is based on the weight of the wick.

A lead wick candle in a jar.

View the full details of this ban at Consumer Protection Notice No. 7 of 2002.

What to do if a banned product is being sold

If you are supplying the product

If you become aware that you are supplying a banned or unsafe product, you must:

  1. immediately stop supplying the product
  2. conduct a product recall and let consumers know
  3. notify the ACCC within 2 days of taking recall action.

If you find the product for sale

If you’re aware of any banned or unsafe products being supplied in Australia, you can report the unsafe product to the ACCC.

Report an unsafe product

Penalties for supplying banned products

Supplying a banned product can result in the ACCC taking action. This may result in a:

  • fine
  • court enforceable undertaking
  • disqualification from being a company director
  • court action with penalties
  • product recall.