Candles that are overly aromatic are often soot culprits since the scents are produced by mixing oil into the wax. Glass-encased candles can be problematic, too. As the candle burns, the wick descends farther into the container, reducing the air supply needed to ensure a clean-burning flame. Many times, you can see the results of a soot-producing candle on the rim of your glass container in the form of a black ring. Candles that are produced overseas can contain more oil and a lower grade of wax.
Some candles even contain lead, which can lead to air-quality problems.
The dissenting member had wanted to wait for White House approval. Candles with lead are showing up on store shelves and being burned in homes across the country despite a voluntary 1974 ban by U.S.-based candle companies, the commission said. Most of the 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. No cases of lead poisoning from candles have been reported.