Candle Emissions

Candles have the ability to add instant atmosphere to any home, casting a warm glow over everything. What many of us do not realize is that candle usage can create problems for your home's interior.

Burning candles can emit small amounts of toxins, such as acetone, benzene, lead, mercury, 2-butanone, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, creosol, chlorobenzene carbon monoxide, cyclopentene, ethylbenzene, phenol, styrene tetrachloroethene, toluene, trichloroethene and xylene. Emissions from candles can create ghosting (dark shadows) or soot on your walls, furniture and in the heating and cooling system, a problem that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Normal use of candles should not pose a health threat to you or your family. However, large amounts of these toxins could prove to be quite harmful. The American Lung Association and the Environmental Protection Agency have determined that particulates smaller than 2.5 microns do the most damage to your health because they are so small. We ingest these particles daily, and never realize that we are doing so.

The size of the flame, as well as the amount of soot, is determined by the composition of the wax and the size of the wick. In order to limit soot, the wick should be cut to about one-quarter of an inch to properly heat the wax for efficient burning. Remember, the longer the wick, the larger the flame, the brighter the candle, the more the soot.

You should also avoid scented, aromatic or slow-burning candles that are greasy to the touch. They may contain too many oils that would alter the way the wax burns. If there is too little or too much air circulation around the candle, it may release soot. The candle will also release soot if incomplete combustion occurs- the container or chimney is too small, not allowing the candle to get enough oxygen, or if the wax formula does not burn hot enough.

How can you minimize candle pollution in your home?

• Because many scented and slow burning candles may contain metals, consumers should look to see if the core of the wick is shiny metal. If you see metal, do not burn, or check with the manufacturer. (It could raise the lead poisoning levels in your home.)
• When you do burn candles, keep the wicks cut short to one-quarter of an inch.
• Keep candles away from drafty places. Wind will blow soot and toxins into the air and cause inefficient burning, a cause of smoking or sooting.
• Do not shake or tip candles because the candle can smoke and send soot into the air to land on walls, carpets and furniture.
• Keep candles in places away from children and pets. Besides fire hazard, small children and animals may accidentally disturb a candle, causing it to smoke and release soot.
• Avoid putting small children directly on carpet. Lead and other pollutants from candles are attracted to synthetic fibers often used in upholstery and carpeting.
• Refrain from burning scented or slow-burning candles that have additives. Look for candles, such as bees wax, that do not contain high levels of pollutants.
• Keep your home clean. Vacuuming may just re-circulate particles unless you use high-performance vacuum bags that catch micro particles.
• Use a good filtration system on your furnace that attracts micro particles. High performance furnace filters minimize the level of pollutants that circulate throughout your home. Changing filters more frequently will help reduce the amount of micro particles in the home.
• Be aware of candles that have been recalled for safety reasons.