i like this. i may get it. nine hours on one set of three candles. i may actually get it just to use, not necessarily only for emergencies. i like candle light. put a couple mirrors behind this and i bet it really puts out some light.
I like that too. In my storage back
home, I used to collect the old wall
sconces which had angled mirroring.
They put out great light. I would
caution you to be concerned since so
many of the tea lights have lead in
their wicks. I used to burn them more
but have cut way back since it is
hard to know.
I was reading recently that kerosene
offered the best energy for the money.
We used to have lots of kerosene lamps.
Our elders did too. I especially like
the ones which have the glass shade
which covers the globe or chimney~~
lead was banned from candle wicks in the US in 2003. not sure if the candles you buy might have been made in china but if they were made in the US they cant have lead in the wicks by law.
April 7, 2003
Release # 03-105
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051
CPSC Bans Candles With Lead-Cored Wicks
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously to ban the manufacture and sale of lead-cored wicks and candles with lead-cored wicks. CPSC determined that candles using lead-cored wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young children. The federal ban, which applies to all domestic and imported candles, should deter manufacturers from making non-conforming wicks, allow the U.S. Customs Service to stop shipments of non-conforming wicks and candles, and allow for the CPSC to seek penalties for violations of the ban.
"Over the past 30 years, CPSC has been at the forefront of protecting the nation's children from the hazards associated with lead," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "The ban of lead-cored candlewicks should give parents with young children peace of mind that the burning of votive, pillar or container candles will not emit a dangerous toxin."
A CPSC investigation found that despite a voluntary industry agreement in the 1970s to remove lead from candle wicks, a small percentage of candles sold in the past several years still contained lead-cored wicks. CPSC staff found that some lead-cored wicks could emit relatively large amounts of lead into the air during burning. Children may then inhale the vaporized lead, placing them at risk. Children may also be exposed to lead by mouthing objects on which lead has settled or by handling such objects and then mouthing their hands.
Some of the candles tested by CPSC staff emitted lead levels in excess of 3,000 micrograms per hour - about seven times the rate that could lead to elevated levels of lead in a child. CPSC estimates that an indoor air lead level of 430 micrograms per hour from burning candles could result in hazardous exposure to children.
Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation. Although the primary source of lead poisoning in the United States is lead from paint in older homes, lead accumulates in the body, and even exposure to small amounts of lead can contribute to the overall level of lead in the blood.
Safe alternatives to lead-cored wicks, including zinc, synthetic fibers, cotton and paper, are used by most candle and candle wick manufacturers. Currently, candles that use a metallic core in the wick most likely contain zinc. Because consumers cannot tell if a metal- cored wick contains lead or an alternative, consumers may wish to contact the retailer for information about the materials used in their candles.
The CPSC was petitioned to ban candlewicks containing lead cores and candles with such wicks by Public Citizen, the National Apartment Association, and National Multi Housing Council on February 20, 2001. The ban against manufacturing, importing, or selling candles with lead wicks will become effective in October 2003.
This reassures me since it was prior to that
date when I was collecting tea lights. I still
try not to buy them at the dollar store or
such a place which may be selling the cheapest
ones they can find.
I appreciate knowing that the candles are
much safer now.
paraffin has petrochemicals in it that are released upon burning that can contaminate your lungs. never use paraffin based candles. also, some candles claim to be 'soy candle' when in fact they might be 90% soy with some paraffin added.
i think 100% beeswax with a cotton wick is best. soy is good also.