Ben Carter
Candles are a popular product, with the US market for scented candles estimated to be worth around $2 billion annually. However, there are questions surrounding the safety of candles, particularly regarding their classification as hazardous materials. From a regulatory perspective, candles are considered mixtures on a carrier (the wick) and are therefore within the scope of Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) regulations. While the waxes used in candles are generally non-hazardous, the additives used for fragrance and colour may be hazardous and, if present in high concentrations, could require warning labels. Candles with wicks containing high lead levels are banned in the US unless they conform to substance restrictions. The fragrances used in candles are reviewed against safety standards, and regulations limit the concentration of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in consumer products. While there are no known health hazards associated with scented candles, some studies have suggested that harmful gases are released when scented candles are burned indoors, and the fragrances and waxes can be irritants for those with asthma and allergies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials | Candles are not considered hazardous materials per se, but they are classified as dangerous goods due to their flammability. |
| Health Hazards | No known health hazards associated with scented candles. However, some individuals with known sensitivities to specific fragrances may be affected. |
| Additives | Additives for fragrance and colour may be hazardous if present in high concentrations. |
| US Regulations | The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) bans candles with metal-cored wicks unless they conform to substance restrictions. |
| California Proposition 65 | Restricts the use of paraffin wax, a common candle ingredient, due to risks of causing harm to infant brain development and the male reproductive system. |
| International Fragrance Association (IFRA) | IFRA establishes safety standards for fragrances used in candles to ensure they are safe for human use. |
| Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) | Candles are deemed mixtures on a carrier (the wick) and fall within the scope of CLP. Labelling requirements depend on the composition of the product and any potential hazards. |
| Transportation | When transporting hazardous materials, international law requires identification, special packaging, and handling procedures to mitigate risks to people, property, and the environment. |
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What You'll Learn
Flammability
Candles are not typically considered hazardous materials. However, their flammability may cause them to be classified as "dangerous goods". The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) bans candles with metal-cored wicks from the US market unless they do not exceed the maximum allowable lead limit of 0.06%. The FHSA also allows the sale of candles with metal-cored wicks, provided they conform to this substance restriction.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published several standards for importers and manufacturers to refer to when importing and producing candles for sale in the US. These standards include guidelines for fire safety warnings to ensure that consumers can prevent fires.
According to the National Candle Association, there are no known health hazards associated with the use of scented candles. However, some individuals may have sensitivities to specific fragrances and should avoid candles with those scents. The fragrances approved for candle usage, whether synthesized or "natural", do not release toxic chemicals. Validated scientific studies have shown that all major candle waxes exhibit the same basic burn behaviour and produce virtually identical combustion byproducts, both in terms of composition and amount. To date, no peer-reviewed scientific study has ever collected or analysed any emissions data on any candle wax and proven them to be harmful to human health.
However, some sources suggest that burning scented candles can expose people to dangerous levels of organic pollutants, which can irritate asthma and allergies. These sources recommend choosing candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. They also suggest airing out the room after burning scented candles to get rid of any chemical compounds produced during burning.
In terms of flammability, candles are considered flammable solids and fall under Class 4 of hazardous materials, which also includes matches. This classification is based on the kind of risk posed by the substance or object. Dangerous goods or hazardous goods are items or substances that have the potential to cause serious harm and typically require extra care during transportation.
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Fragrance and colour additives
While candles are primarily made of wax, which is non-hazardous, they often contain additives for fragrance and colour, which may be hazardous. The safety of a fragrance is not dependent on whether it is natural or synthetic but rather on the concentration of the specific VOC in the air. Fragrance oils are typically made of a blend of natural and synthetic compounds and have different flashpoints, which affect when the scent is released during burning. If a candle contains a sensitising fragrance ingredient at more than 0.1%, the label should state: "Contains (name of fragrance/s). May produce an allergic reaction." If a candle contains more than 1% of sensitising fragrance ingredients, it should bear an exclamation mark pictogram, the signal word WARNING, and the statement: "May cause an allergic skin reaction".
Some fragrance oils contain petroleum, which has been associated with the development of urothelial cancer. Frequent consumption of scented candles and their use in inadequately ventilated rooms may increase the chance of developing this cancer. However, there are no known health hazards associated with the use of scented candles, and no peer-reviewed scientific study has proven candle wax to be harmful to human health. Validated scientific studies have shown that all major candle waxes exhibit the same basic burn behaviour and produce virtually identical combustion byproducts.
Dyes are added to give candles their vibrant colours. They come in various forms, such as liquid dyes, dye chips, and dye blocks. Most candle dyes are aniline-based, meaning they are derived from coal tar. Using too much dye can affect a candle's burn quality, causing it to burn unevenly or produce excessive soot.
Other additives include stearic acid, a fatty acid used to harden candles and improve opacity and texture, and Vybar, a polymer that improves scent throw and wax hardness while reducing mottling.
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Health hazards
Candles are not considered hazardous materials per se, but they are classified as dangerous goods due to their flammability. However, certain components of candles, such as the fragrance, colour, or gel, may be considered hazardous materials.
The primary health hazard associated with candles is the risk of indoor air pollution. When scented candles are burned indoors, they release harmful gases, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, which can contaminate the indoor environment. Additionally, the fragrances and wax in candles can be irritants for people with asthma and allergies. The release of these pollutants can be minimised by choosing candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. It is also recommended to air the room after burning scented candles to remove any chemical compounds produced during burning.
Another potential health hazard is skin irritation, although this is unlikely, given the general composition of candles. However, suppliers who are aware of the full composition of the candle, including any fragrances and colourants, are responsible for considering and addressing this risk.
Some studies have also raised concerns about the potential carcinogenic effects of scented candles, suggesting that they may increase the risk of bladder cancer. However, these claims are not yet supported by peer-reviewed scientific studies.
To ensure the safety of candle fragrances, formulas are reviewed against the safety standards established by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). Each ingredient in the fragrance and the finished product must meet these specifications to be compliant. If a candle meets these standards, the fragrance is considered safe for human use. Additionally, federal and state governments in the United States have established regulations to limit the concentration of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in consumer products such as candles.
To minimise potential health risks, consumers should burn candles, scented or unscented, in a well-ventilated area. Trimming the wick to a quarter of an inch before each use, keeping the candle away from drafty areas, and ensuring the wax pool is free of debris can also help reduce the production of soot, a byproduct of incomplete combustion.
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Candle composition
The composition of candles has evolved over the centuries, with waxes being developed from a variety of fats, oils, and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants, and even rocks. The term "wax" is used as a generic classification for materials that are solid at room temperature, liquid at higher temperatures, primarily hydrocarbon in structure, water-repellent, and insoluble.
In ancient times, candles were made from tallow, or animal fat, with sheep's tallow and cow's tallow being considered the best combination for candle-making. In China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), beeswax was used for candles, and by the 12th century, candle wax was derived from the Coccos pella insect. Early Japanese candles were made from extracts of tree nuts, while Indians boiled the fruit of the cinnamon tree to make candle wax.
The whaling industry in the 18th century led to the development of spermaceti wax, a clean-burning, low-odor wax derived from the head oil of the sperm whale. This type of wax became popular in Europe and the Americas, replacing tallow as the primary wax for candle-making. Today, paraffin wax, a petroleum product, is the most commonly used candle wax, though other types of waxes such as beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes are also used.
Candles are typically composed of a wick and wax, with the wick made from cotton or wood and the wax made from a variety of materials as mentioned above. Fragrances, colors, and gels are often added to candles to enhance their aesthetic and sensory appeal. However, these additives can also introduce hazardous materials into the candle's composition, such as lead in metal-cored wicks, which is considered too dangerous for a cautionary label to be sufficient by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) in the United States.
While the exact chemical composition of candle smoke particles is not yet fully understood, studies have identified candles as sources of ultrafine particles, larger accumulation mode particles, and contributors to indoor Elemental Carbon (EC) and PM2.5 concentrations. Candle soot, which is composed primarily of elemental carbon particles, is not considered a health concern and is chemically different from the soot formed by burning fossil fuels.
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Safe candle burning
Candles are not typically classified as hazardous materials, but they are often considered dangerous goods due to their flammability. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) bans candles with metal-cored wicks from the US market unless they do not exceed the maximum allowable lead limit.
To ensure safe candle burning, follow these guidelines:
- Always trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. This promotes a proper flame height and helps prevent dripping, flaring, and sooting.
- Place the candle away from drafty areas to avoid flame flickering, and keep it at least three inches apart from other candles.
- Ensure the wax pool is free of debris such as wick trimmings or matches. Any debris will add more fuel to the candle, which can cause the flame to flare up or start a small fire.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Extinguish the candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly.
- Put out the candle when 1/2 inch of wax remains in the container or 2 inches for a pillar candle. This ensures the wick stays vertical and the burn is consistently under control.
- Use a candle snuffer or a metal spoon to extinguish the flame safely. Do not use water, as it can cause wax splatters and possibly burns.
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated area.
By following these simple guidelines, you can safely enjoy the benefits of burning candles, such as adding personality to your decor and creating an element of peace and serenity in your space.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are primarily made of wax, which is non-hazardous and does not require classification. However, candles with additives like fragrance, colour, or gel may be hazardous. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) bans candles with metal-cored wicks due to their dangerous nature.
The fragrances and colourants in candles may trigger allergies or skin irritation in some individuals. The soot produced by candles is composed of elemental carbon particles, which is not considered a health concern. However, indoor burning of scented candles can expose individuals to dangerous levels of organic pollutants, which can cause asthma and allergies.
The label on the packaging of a candle will indicate if it contains hazardous materials. Labels are required to be easily readable and firmly affixed to the packaging.
Yes, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has issued regulations for the transportation of hazardous products. Candles are considered flammable solids and fall under Class 4 of hazardous materials.
