Frankfurt am Main, 23.11.2004

Press Release

Health Hazards for Congregations and Visitors to Churches?

We were very surprised by the article in the internet showing results of studies in church interiors from Dr Theo de Kok of the University of Maastricht. Such accusations that using candles is hazardous to health because toxic substances are released during burning have been made, especially in the pre-Christmas period, for more than 25 years now. For the medium sized companies of the candle branch this is a question of existence. Since 1998 the Association of German Candlemakers e.V. has had various studies carried out

in order to ascertain whether the consumer is really presented with danger by candles.

In 1988 different candle types were tested, amongst other things, to see to what extent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAK — English PAH) which are considered to be particularly hazardous to health are emitted from candles whilst they are burning. The results showed conclusively that every burning test resulted in PAH amounts which were so small that they present no hazard to health whatsoever.

In 1992 a study of lilac candles followed as it was claimed that burning such candles indoors caused air concentrations made up of toxicological polychloro dibenzo-dioxines and furanes PCB of a level as to be hazardous to health. The institute which carried out the tests recorded the results as follows:

´´ There is no hazard to health for people who are in a room in which 20 lilac coloured candles are being burned``.

A further study carried out in 1994 to ascertain the presence of various hazardous materials, in particular PAH, in different types of candles came up with similar results which are, of course, reassuring for consumers. The laboratory report documents the following:

´´ Inhalation of PAH and aldehyde emissions from nine simultaneously burning paraffin wax, beeswax or stearic acid candles, when burning takes place in a 50m_ room, is far below the values of one burning cigarette. The inhaled intake of dioxines in the atmosphere of such a room is within the annual average intake and, therefore, of no consequence.

In 1995 these favourable results were supported by tests carried out on coloured and lacquered candles as well as by two tests on fragranced candles carried out in 1997 and 1999. Tests carried out in 2003 as part of the development of a scientific soot measuring method also supported these findings.

In 1999 a series of measurements were made by TÜV- Rheinland, in a church in Wiesbaden, to ascertain which effects the burning of votive candles have in a church. The comprehensive test results concluded: ´´The dust content in the air as well as the degree of blackness of the measurement filter are, in general, higher during services than at other times the church is being used and this does not depend on the burning of candles. No significant increase in the dust content of the air or increase in blackness (of the filter) can be verified as being due to the burning of votive candles.`` This is a complete contradiction to the results published by Dr de Kok.

It is a pity that we are unable to discuss this subject with Dr de Kok as his address is not known. It is unfortunate that he did not contact candle producers to find out whether other research findings and statistics were available prior to publishing his findings.

Consumers who may feel unsure can rest assured that quality products, in particular candles awarded the quality mark of the Candles Quality Association e.V in Stuttgart (www.kerzenguete.com) do not present any hazards to health whatsoever.