Safety Information

Candles and Indoor Air Quality

Candles add to the warmth & atmosphere of a home, but
some candles can contribute to an indoor air pollution
problem by emitting particulate matter (candle soot)
into the air. Candle pollution not only discolors the
walls, ceilings and contents of a home it can also
contaminate the ventilation system's ductwork. This is
especially true of ducts constructed from fiberglass
"duct-board". It appears that petroleum-based
(paraffin) candles and scented and/or aromatic candles
are the worst offenders. Most candles on the market
today are made from paraffin wax or a blend of paraffin
and other waxes. Paraffin is a derivative of petroleum.
When burned they release carcinogenic toxins such as
benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein
and soot into the air. The emissions from paraffin
candles contain many of the same toxins produced by
burning diesel fuel. It is like starting up a diesel
engine inside you home!

Scented candles may trigger allergic reactions. The
symptoms include itchy and watery eyes, sore throat,
blocked nasal passages, headaches, hives, skin
irritations and asthma-like conditions. People with
asthma and respiratory allergies may experience more
severe reactions.

If the light colored fabrics in your home begin to look
rather dingy or gray, if plastic items in the house
begin to accumulate a dark film, if your electronic
equipment has discolorations especially around vents
(ie. computers, disc drives, etc...), if the television
or computer monitor screen is covered with a thin dark
residue that wipes off with a clean cloth (this film
will appear darker than regular household dust on a
clean cloth) you could have an IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)
problem resulting from candle soot.

Gel candles are also petroleum-based. Although there
are urban myths circulating on the internet that claim
they explode; that is not really a problem. The glass
container can shatter from excessive heat (but not
explode) and they can emit the same toxins as paraffin
candles.

Safer, natural alternatives to paraffin based candles
Soy candles generally last 50% longer than petroleum-
based candles. Soy candles burn slower and cooler, are
non-toxic, less likely to trigger allergies, clean up
with soap and water, and produce very little soot. This
tends to make them more animal and child-friendly than
traditional candles. Soy candles are labeled
explicitly, so if it does not say Soy on the label, it
isn't. Soy candles have a more opaque appearance and
usually have with a whitish film.

Beeswax is returning to popularity. Beeswax is less
likely to trigger allergies. It generally does not
produce toxins or soot when burned. It tends to be more
expensive than paraffin candles but also burns longer.
Do read the labels, as some manufacturers may have
added paraffin.

Safety
In addition to airborne pollution, candles present a
substantial fire safety issue. See this page from the
National Fire Protection Association for facts and
figures about candle-caused fires and safety tips. The
NFPA also has an executive summary of the research into
home candle fires. Their magazine (free) also has an
article about candle safety, too.



Recommendations
Switch to Beeswax or Soy candles.
Watch out for shiny metal wire inside the wicks of
candles. These often contain zinc, or worse, lead. Look
for for pure paper or cotton instead.
Keep wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch for more
complete combustion
Keep candles out of drafts. Wind causes incomplete
burning, burns the candle faster and puts more
pollution into the air.
Beware of candles advertised as slow-burning. They
often have additives that are more dangerous. The
candles can often be recognized by the greasy feel to
the touch.
If you want a scent or aromatherapy, put a few drops
of scented oil in a defuser, which is a tray made to
fit on a light bulb, or simply put the drops into some
boiling water. these avoids burning the oil.
Candles in jars deprive the wick of oxygen and produce
more soot. Don't use candles in jars when the wick is
below the level of the top oof the jar or when the
candle leaves a soot ring on the jar's lip. The soot
may also be an indication of lead dust from a metal
wick.





If you suspect a problem:
1) Stop burning candles immediately!

2) Check and/or change the filter in your
heating/cooling system, save the filter if it is more

3) Continue to change the filter more frequently than
usual, you should observe a

4) Depending on the extent of property damage you may
want to contact your

5) You may also want to seek the advice of an Indoor
Air Quality or Building

6) If evidence is compelling towards candles causing
the problems, you may want to stop using them or switch
to safer alternatives



COMMON EMISSIONS AND COMPOUNDS PRESENT IN CANDLE WAX
Acetone
Benzene
Trichlorofluoromethane
Carbon disulfide
2- Butanone
1, 1, 1-Trichloroethane
Carbon tetrachloride
Trichloroethene
Tetrachloroethene
Toluene
Chlorobenzene
Ethylbenzene
Styrene
Xylene
Phenol
Cresol
Cyclopentene
Lead
Lead (Inorganic Airborne Contaminant)
CO Carbon Monoxide
Soot
Particulate Matter <2.5 microns


http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/candles2.htm

*PCCS does not endorse safety information does not recommend doing what is indicated. We will not be held responsible for articles listed. The articles listed on this page are for information purposes and not intended  for every situation. This web site page  is designed for general information purposes only and should not be construed to be formal  advice.

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