As for the candles, the doctor ordered a total ban. The Flanders aren't the only ones falling victim to pleasant-smelling candles with toxic wicks. Part of the candle craze may be due to new interest in aroma therapy, a type of alternative medicine in which odors are used for relaxation or to treat illness. Ironically, the very candles sometimes used for aromatherapy can cause serious health problems. The chief culprits are candles with wicks made with metal cores.
Lead poisoning can lead to behavior changes and damage internal organs, especially the kidneys.
Cathy's husband, Kip, had his gall bladder removed because of an illness he blames on the candles. Metal wicks Nriagu measured the lead released from 14 brands of candles. He found that burning four metal-wick candles for two hours can result in airborne lead concentrations that pose a threat to human health. People with weak immune systems, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk. After similar research in Australia, lead wicks in candles were banned there in September 1999.