Brooke Martin
Candles have been a staple of survival kits for thousands of years, but are emergency candles still necessary? While modern LED, rechargeable battery, and solar charger technology have reduced the need for candles, they can still be useful in certain situations. For example, in the event of a long-term emergency or an EMP attack, candles may be a good backup option. Additionally, they can be used to create warmth, light fires, or dry out damp materials. When choosing emergency candles, it's important to consider factors such as burn time, brightness, and type of wax. While scented candles are popular, unscented candles are typically better for emergencies as they produce fewer toxins when burned. Overall, while candles may not be a necessity for everyone, they can still be a valuable addition to your emergency supplies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Survival kits, emergency lighting, cooking, and heating |
| Pros | Easy to use, cheap, long-lasting, safe to store in large quantities, produce minimal toxins when burned, clean-burning, lightweight, odourless, smokeless, don't drip, burn clean, safe for indoor use |
| Cons | Not powerful, not suitable for multiple rooms, not suitable for warming a shelter, not suitable for cooking, not enough heat, fire hazard |
| Types | Wax candles, refillable candles, natural candles, unscented candles, scented candles, decorative candles, liquid candles, tea candles, LED candles, solar-powered candles |
| Burn time | 12-115 hours |
| Cost | $20-40 for 2 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
- Emergency candles are a reliable source of light and heat
- They are cheap, easy to use, and safe to store in large quantities
- Modern alternatives, such as LEDs, may be more practical
- Scented vs unscented: scented candles can be overwhelming and produce more toxins
- Natural waxes like beeswax tend to burn longer and cleaner than paraffin
Emergency candles are a reliable source of light and heat
While modern LED, rechargeable battery, and solar charger technology have reduced the necessity of candles for lighting purposes, they are still a valuable backup for very long-term emergencies. They are also useful for events such as EMP attacks, where other technologies may be rendered useless.
Candles are a good source of light and heat in situations where power is lost, such as during unexpected storms or natural disasters. They are especially useful for those with limited storage space or financial resources, as they are safe to store in large quantities and produce minimal toxins when burned. In addition, they can be used to warm food and to hold a flame, conserving matches and other fuels.
There are several types of emergency candles available, including those made from paraffin, soy wax, stearin, palm wax, and beeswax, all of which are safe to burn indoors. Paraffin candles, for example, are widely available and inexpensive, while natural wax candles tend to have longer burn times and produce less soot. When choosing emergency candles, it is important to consider factors such as burn time, brightness, and cost. Some candles, like the CandleLife, offer a refillable solution with a long burn time of 115 hours, while others, like the 100-Hour Candle, are clean-burning, odorless, and smokeless, making them ideal for indoor use.
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They are cheap, easy to use, and safe to store in large quantities
Candles are a cheap, easy-to-use, and safe option for emergency lighting, cooking, and heating. They have been a staple fuel source in homes for thousands of years and are still widely used today.
The simplicity of candles—a wick and some sort of slow-burning fuel—means they are reliable and ridiculously cheap. They are easy to use and can be made from a variety of materials, including wax, olive oil, and animal tallow. Candles are also safe to store in large quantities, making them a good option for those with limited storage space or financial resources.
When choosing candles for emergencies, it is important to consider their burn time. Candles that burn for just a few hours will need to be constantly replaced, so it is recommended to opt for candles that will last at least most of the night, or "Fire and Forget" candles, which burn for 6-10 hours. The type of wax also matters: natural waxes like soy, palm, and beeswax tend to burn longer, cleaner, and produce less smoke than paraffin, although paraffin candles are widely available and less expensive.
In addition to lighting, candles can also provide warmth and help with cooking. A few candles in a terracotta pot, for example, can create enough warmth to prevent hypothermia. They can also be used to hold a flame, conserve matches, and dry out damp material.
While modern LED, rechargeable battery, and solar charger technology have reduced the necessity of candles, they are still a valuable backup option for very long-term emergencies or events like an EMP attack. They are also useful for power outages, natural disasters, and camping trips.
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Modern alternatives, such as LEDs, may be more practical
Modern alternatives, such as LEDs, rechargeable batteries, and solar chargers, may be more practical than emergency candles. These alternatives offer a more reliable and longer-lasting source of light and can often be motion-activated or wind-up/USB-powered, making them convenient and energy-efficient.
LEDs, for example, can produce a candle-like light for an entire year without the need for constant replacement or the production of heat and toxins. They are also safer than candles, which pose a potential fire hazard, especially when left unattended. Additionally, rechargeable battery-powered flashlights and lanterns provide a more sustainable option, eliminating the need for frequent purchases and reducing waste.
Solar charger technology is another viable alternative, powering devices such as camping lanterns with minimal energy requirements. These lanterns can be recharged through solar panels, making them a sustainable and long-lasting solution for emergency lighting. While candles may be inexpensive and easy to use, modern alternatives offer improved safety, convenience, and sustainability.
However, it is worth noting that candles still have their advantages and use cases. They are simple, cheap, and can be useful for warming food and creating a flame without burning through matches or other fuel sources. In the case of an extended emergency or a specific event like an EMP attack, candles can be a valuable backup option when modern alternatives may not be available or functional.
Overall, while emergency candles can be a useful addition to your supplies, modern alternatives like LEDs, rechargeable batteries, and solar chargers often provide a more practical, sustainable, and safer solution for emergency lighting.
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Scented vs unscented: scented candles can be overwhelming and produce more toxins
Scented candles are extremely popular, especially during the holiday season. However, there are concerns about their potential health risks. When scented candles are lit, they release harmful gases, including combustion gases like carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that have been identified as carcinogens, such as naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene. These are found in candle fumes that are products of wax, aroma substances, or combustion dyes.
The main culprits behind the health risks in scented candle smoke are particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and lead. Lead is a lesser concern since it was banned by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) in 2000. However, it is still a good idea to shop for candles with paper-core, cotton, or wood wicks if you are unsure whether your country has banned lead-core wicks. VOCs are carbon compounds that easily turn into gas at room temperature. Some VOCs, like formaldehyde and benzine, are potentially cancer-causing. Burning scented candles can release VOCs like formaldehyde, which may increase cancer risk. However, it is important to note that they release less than half of the recommended amounts set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In addition to containing phthalates, scented candles are said to give off more soot. There is some evidence that paraffin wax, made from petroleum, produces more VOCs and soot than natural waxes like beeswax and soy wax. However, these differences are likely too small to make candles a true health hazard, and one study found that all types of wax release the same mix of chemicals into the air.
While the therapeutic benefits of burning candles far outweigh any health risks they may pose, there are some simple preventive steps you can take to minimize your exposure to toxins. Choose candles manufactured from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. Trim the wick if it gets longer than 5 to 10 millimeters, and avoid burning candles in drafty areas as this can increase smoke production. Ventilate your space after extinguishing a candle to get rid of any chemical compounds produced during burning.
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Natural waxes like beeswax tend to burn longer and cleaner than paraffin
Candles have been used for thousands of years for lighting, travel, and religious ceremonies. Even today, candles are a staple in survival kits due to their simplicity, ease of use, and affordability. While candles don't have to be made of wax, traditionally, they were made of animal tallow. Nowadays, candles are often made from waxes like paraffin, beeswax, and plant-based waxes.
Natural waxes like beeswax offer several advantages over paraffin wax. Firstly, beeswax candles tend to burn longer than paraffin candles due to their higher density and melting point. While paraffin candles burn quickly and may require frequent replacements, beeswax candles have a slower burn rate, making them more efficient and eco-friendly. For example, a 3x6 beeswax pillar candle can burn for more than 110 hours, while a similar-sized paraffin candle would burn for only about 60 hours.
Secondly, beeswax candles burn cleaner than paraffin candles. Beeswax candles produce minimal soot, especially when the wick is trimmed properly, while paraffin candles are prone to producing a significant amount of soot that can stain walls and other surfaces. The low level of soot in beeswax candles makes them ideal for indoor use, as they do not contribute to respiratory irritants. On the other hand, paraffin wax combustion releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene and benzene, which can be harmful to human health and cause respiratory issues, headaches, and potentially pose carcinogenic risks.
Additionally, beeswax candles burn brighter than paraffin candles due to their higher melting point, resulting in a stronger and more brilliant flame. Beeswax candles are also hypoallergenic, making them suitable for individuals with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities. Paraffin candles, on the other hand, are not hypoallergenic, and their artificial scents can trigger reactions in some people.
Beeswax is also a renewable resource, whereas paraffin wax is derived from finite fossil fuels. Manufacturers of paraffin candles often add stearic acid, derived from animal fat or palm oil, to increase the melting point and reduce dripping. However, this additive allows them to charge more for their candles, as it gives them some of the qualities of beeswax, such as longer burn times and less dripping.
While one study from 2007 suggested that the combustion by-products of candle waxes are similar, with no significant health or air quality concerns, other sources continue to emphasize the cleaner burning properties of beeswax compared to paraffin. Overall, natural waxes like beeswax offer a longer, cleaner, and brighter burn than paraffin, making them a more sustainable and healthier option for emergency candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Emergency candles are not necessary, but they are a valuable addition to your emergency fuel storage. They are safe, easy to use, and rely only on basic chemistry to work.
Unscented candles are the best option for emergency lighting, as scented candles can be overwhelming when burned in large quantities. The CandleLife candle is a good option if you are looking for a refillable solution. It uses liquid paraffin as fuel and burns for 115 hours.
The number of emergency candles you should have depends on your needs. Two weeks' worth of emergency candles would require about four candles.
Modern LED, rechargeable battery, and solar charger tech have made candles less necessary. Alternatives to emergency candles include windup/USB LED lanterns, oil lamps, and LED stick-on lights.
Emergency candles can be used for lighting, cooking, and heating. They are also safe to store in large quantities, produce minimal toxins when burned, and are easy to use.
