“Safety candles” refer not to a distinct product, but to the mindful use of any candle to minimize potential hazards. This concept involves understanding inherent risks and adopting safe practices to prevent incidents. The goal is to enjoy the ambiance candles provide without compromising safety.
General Candle Safety Practices
Always position candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable, such as curtains, furniture, or bedding. Maintain at least one foot (30 cm) between a lit candle and combustible materials.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially when children or pets are present. Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
Trim the wick to about one-quarter inch (6 mm) before each use. This promotes an even burn and prevents excessive flame height or sooting. A long wick can cause an overly large flame, increasing fire risk.
Use a snuffer to extinguish the flame, rather than blowing, which can splatter hot wax or reignite the wick. Never use water, as it can cause hot wax to splatter or break glass containers.
Discard candles when about half an inch (1.3 cm) of wax remains, especially in glass containers, to prevent overheating and cracking. Keep the wax pool free of debris like wick trimmings or matches, which can increase flame size. Good ventilation is advisable after use.
Safer Candle Alternatives
Several safer alternatives offer candle ambiance without an open flame, significantly reducing fire risks.
Flameless LED candles, powered by batteries, mimic the flickering glow of traditional candles. These products eliminate fire hazards, making them suitable for homes with children, pets, or in areas where an open flame would be impractical or prohibited. LED candles also offer benefits such as no dripping wax, soot, or the need for wick trimming, and they have a much longer lifespan.
Electric wax warmers provide fragrance by gently heating scented wax melts or jarred candles without a flame. These devices use a heating element to melt the wax, releasing scent into the air. While electric, they still require responsible use, including placement on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and ensuring they are not left unattended.
Essential oil diffusers offer another flameless way to introduce scents into a space. Ultrasonic diffusers, which use water and vibrations, are generally considered safe as they do not involve heat or open flames for scent dispersion. However, choose high-quality diffusers and essential oils and follow manufacturer instructions, as some oils can be flammable if mishandled.
Understanding Candle Risks
Traditional candles present inherent risks, primarily fire hazards and concerns regarding indoor air quality.
Between 2018-2022, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 5,910 home structure fires annually caused by candles, resulting in 74 civilian deaths and 558 injuries. Half of these fires started when a flammable item was too close to a lit candle, underscoring the importance of proper placement.
Many candle fires also occur due to unattended candles or those left burning while residents are asleep. Bedrooms are a common location for candle fires, accounting for over one-third of incidents. The peak time for candle fires often aligns with the winter holidays, when candles are used more frequently.
Burning candles can affect indoor air quality by releasing various substances into the environment. Soot, composed of tiny carbon particles from incomplete combustion, can be inhaled and may irritate the respiratory system. Paraffin wax candles, derived from petroleum, produce more soot and can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.
These VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution and, with prolonged exposure, may lead to headaches, dizziness, or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. While candles produce small amounts of carbon monoxide, the risk of poisoning from typical candle use is generally considered low. Adequate ventilation remains important to minimize any potential buildup of these airborne compounds.
Selecting Safer Candle Products
When purchasing traditional candles, informed choices regarding their composition can enhance safety and indoor air quality.
Wax type is a primary consideration. Natural options like soy and beeswax are generally preferred over paraffin. Soy wax, derived from soybeans, burns cleaner and produces less soot than paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct. It is also biodegradable and renewable.
Beeswax candles, made from the wax produced by honeybees, are another natural option known for their clean burn and minimal soot production. While some sources suggest beeswax releases negative ions that may help purify the air, scientific evidence for this specific mechanism is not conclusive. Both soy and beeswax candles contribute fewer airborne pollutants compared to paraffin.
Wick material also plays a role in a candle’s safety profile. Opt for candles with wicks made from 100% cotton or wood, ensuring they are lead-free. Lead-core wicks were banned in the U.S. due to concerns about lead exposure from burning. A properly trimmed cotton wick promotes a steady, clean flame, reducing excessive soot.
The container holding the candle is equally important for safety. Choose containers made from heat-resistant, non-flammable materials such as thick glass, ceramic, or concrete. These materials are less likely to crack or break from the heat of the flame, which could lead to spilled hot wax and a fire hazard. Ensure the container is sturdy and designed to contain the melting wax pool effectively.