Important Candle Safety Information
At Tillymin we think it is important for people to understand the myriad of information available on the Internet about the apparent "safety" or more emphasised "dangers" in burning various candles.
It is true that burning candles can be dangerous - but this depends on how you use them! Almost any item could be considered dangerous depending on being put to a good or bad use!
Before I (Mel) launch into the following information, I would just like to add that I like using both gel and soy, and to a lesser extent (due to the mess mainly!) paraffin wax. I find that gel and soy are very versatile and are much longer/cleaner burning than other candles. This is always going to be limited by using the correct type of wick and having the wick the right length.
I am happy to be contacted to discuss any of the issues I raise here. I am also happy to be corrected if anyone wishes to provide me with scientific studies to prove otherwise. I have provided some scientific-based information, and other more "user friendly" links to make things easier to understand.
Gel or Paraffin versus Soy 
A summary of what I have been able to find is listed below. I will also include some relevant links for you to "better inform" yourself!
FACT VERSUS FICTION:
Paraffin is bad for you and the environment- Nobody is going to deny that paraffin is a by-product of the petroleum industry - which logically must mean that it is bad for the environment? My (personal!) perspective is, because it is a by-product, it is going to be there for as long as we are using petrols/fuels, so if it is not used for the various applications including candles, food preparation (YES it is used in packaging and preparing food), also scientific research areas etc... then it is going to have to be disposed of into landfill or other areas - potentially causing as much or more pollution than it does in candles (etc).
*** In my mind, the only way for
people to really show that they are anti-petroleum industry is to not
use anything that burn traditional fuels/petrols AT ALL....
for most people that would mean no cars, buses, and many aspects of our
lives are run directly or indirectly by fossil fuels! ***
- There is no scientific evidence than paraffin burned in normal amounts as a candle in a household (even burnt all the time!), is dangerous for you. ANY improperly burnt candle could cause soot etc which may irritate airways etc, but just because a candle has paraffin/gel/etc in it doesn't mean it directly is bad for you when it burns!
Soot created from paraffin candles is carcinogenic:
- From the "National Candle Association" (in the USA) -
'The minuscule amount of soot produced by a candle
is the natural byproduct of incomplete combustion. Candle soot is composed
primarily of elemental carbon particles, and is similar to the soot given
off by kitchen toasters and cooking oils. These everyday household sources
of soot are not considered a health concern, and are chemically different
from the soot formed by the burning of diesel fuel, coal, gasoline, etc.'
Paraffin candles contain 7 to 11 carcinogenic ingredients
- This statement I believe stems from a very old scientific paper - in 1962 or thereabouts. If you actually read the details of the paper, the results were that there was NO signficant difference between the control animals (ie ones not given any substances except normal food/water) and the test animals. There have been meetings regarding using Paraffin in food applications which uses the old study as a basis and explains how it is relevant now, plus the original results.
For more information - click here.
- Any candle can release soot if it doesn't have a suitable wick, is subject to a breeze/air con (etc), or the wick is too long
- See "National Candle Assoc FAQ" for more information
- When any candle burns, it uses the wax as a fuel and breaks the components down essentially into carbon dioxide - which we ALL breathe out with every exhalation we do.
- I would like to draw attention here to using GOOD QUALITY products which are indeed refined to have less contaminants - this means less by-products which could be bad for your health!
- See "National Candle Assoc FAQ" for more information
General Candle Safety Information
(from the National Candle Association Website - but also reflecting provided in Tillymin Services' warning stickers)
Candles are safe when burned properly, responsibly and according to manufacturer directions. When burning candles, consumers should follow these basic safety rules:
- Keep lighted candles within your sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Trim wicks to ¼ inch prior to each use.
- Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
- Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Read and follow all manufacturer instructions carefully
Image courtesy of Arkobo Candles