When rubbing the paper on the un-burnt wick, zinc or tin wicks should not leave any mark on the paper. It is important for consumers to know that wicks made with cotton, paper, zinc, or non-metallic materials are safe. Zinc or tin wicks are used by some U.S. manufacturers in votive, pillar, tealight and glass jar candles. Zinc wicks, which have been used safely for 20 years, and the more recent alternative, tin wicks, add extra rigidity to the wick. This attribute helps the wick remain centered and upright to ensure clean and proper burning.
Extensive research supports the safety of zinc and tin wicks.
Studies show that these trace amounts in zinc or tin core wicks do not present a health concern for consumers. Research shows that zinc and tin wicks are safe and pass the Environmental Protection Agency's air quality tests. Even using extremely conservative assumptions, a person would have to burn over 3,000 candles with zinc wicks for four hours a day to exceed the EPA's air quality standard for lead. Safety, including issues such as children's health, is a top priority for National Candle Association members. That is why our organization adopted a voluntary ban on lead wicks and supports the removal of candles with lead wicks from store shelves.