Ben Carter
A blown-out candle produces a distinct odour that has been described as hot wax smoke. This smell is caused by the pyrolysis of wax, which continues momentarily after the flame is extinguished, releasing solid particles and gases that rise like smoke. While the health implications of inhaling this odour are unclear, some people have expressed concern about its potential negative effects. In addition to the smell of blown-out candles, the presence of other odours, such as natural gas or electrical issues, could indicate potentially hazardous situations that require further investigation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is the smell harmful? | No evidence of harm found in sources |
| Possible causes | Pyrolysis of candle wax, i.e., incomplete combustion of wax producing small carbon particles and gases |
| Possible causes | Natural gas leak (as suggested by some, but others disagree) |
| Possible causes | Electrical issues (suggested by some, but disputed by others) |
| Possible causes | Covid-related changes in sense of smell |
| Possible causes | Paranormal activity (suggested by some, but not taken seriously) |
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What You'll Learn
- The smell is caused by pyrolysis, which continues for a few seconds after the flame is extinguished
- The hot wax and wick produce solid particles and gases that rise like smoke
- Incomplete combustion of wax produces small carbon particles called soot
- Natural gas leaks can smell similar to blown-out candles, so it's important to get it checked out
- Experiencing phantom smells could be related to health or a paranormal phenomenon
The smell is caused by pyrolysis, which continues for a few seconds after the flame is extinguished
The distinctive smell of a freshly blown-out candle is caused by pyrolysis, a process that continues for a few seconds after the flame is extinguished. Pyrolysis occurs when the energy from the flame heats up the wax, causing it to break up into smaller chunks. These chunks are then drawn up into the wick and fuel the flame. When a candle is blown out, the flame stops immediately, but the wick and the wax remain hot. This means that pyrolysis continues to occur for a short time, producing solid particles and gases that rise like smoke.
The high heat inside the flame breaks up the large wax molecules, and most of these chunks are burned and turned into carbon dioxide and water vapour, which are invisible and odourless. However, a small proportion of pyrolysis products may not burn properly, and these are what cause the distinctive smell of a blown-out candle. These unburned particles and gases rise from the wick, creating the visible smoke and the familiar odour.
The process of pyrolysis is not unique to candles and occurs during the burning of any type of fuel. For example, when coal burns, careful management of oxygen levels can increase the efficiency of combustion, resulting in a cleaner flame and reduced smoke. Similarly, the combustion of wax in a candle can be influenced by factors such as oxygen levels and the presence of a heat source, affecting the production of smoke and smell.
The smell of a blown-out candle can be intriguing and, for some, a pleasant aspect of candle usage. However, it is important to ensure that candles are used safely and responsibly to minimise potential risks. Proper ventilation and the use of candleholders or containers can help manage the smoke and odour produced during and after burning. Understanding the science behind the smell, including the role of pyrolysis, can enhance our appreciation of candles and guide their safe enjoyment.
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The hot wax and wick produce solid particles and gases that rise like smoke
The act of blowing out a candle involves more than meets the eye. While it may seem like a simple action, there is a complex chemical process at play. At the centre of it all, the flame's intense heat, reaching temperatures of 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius, breaks down the large wax molecules into smaller fragments through a process called pyrolysis.
During combustion, these smaller wax molecules are transformed into carbon dioxide and water vapour, both of which are invisible and odourless. However, the story doesn't end there. When a candle is burning, the heat from the flame melts the wax, and this liquid wax is then drawn up into the wick, fuelling the flame and keeping it burning.
Now, here's where things get interesting. When you blow out a candle, the flame may disappear, but the wick and the surrounding wax remain hot. This residual heat continues the pyrolysis process for a few seconds after the flame has been extinguished. As a result, solid particles and odorous gases are produced, but without a flame to burn them, they rise like smoke. This is why a blown-out candle often seems to emit a stronger smell, as these unburned particles and gases escape into the air.
It's important to note that this phenomenon is not unique to candles. Duncan Graham, a professor of chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, explains that this is the same process that occurs when burning any type of fuel. For example, by blowing air onto a burning fuel source like coal, you can increase the oxygen supply, enhancing combustion efficiency and producing a cleaner flame with less smoke.
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Incomplete combustion of wax produces small carbon particles called soot
The smell of a freshly blown-out candle is caused by the pyrolysis of wax. When a candle is lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax, which is drawn up the wick and vaporized. This vapour then reacts with oxygen from the air to produce heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. However, if the combustion of the wax is not complete, small carbon particles called soot are produced. Soot is a result of the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, which includes all waxes.
When a candle is blown out, the flame stops immediately, but the wick and the wax remain hot, allowing pyrolysis to continue for a few seconds. This produces solid particles and gases that rise like smoke. The absence of a flame causes this smoke to smell stronger.
Soot is considered a hazardous substance and can be harmful to human health when inhaled. It is composed of impure carbon particles and can also contain harmful substances such as dioxins, sulphur, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The small size of soot particles allows them to easily enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing serious health issues such as heart attacks, bronchitis, aggravated asthma, strokes, and even lung cancer.
The formation of soot is not limited to candles but is also a concern in larger-scale combustion processes, such as the burning of coal and fossil fuels. Soot contributes to air pollution and can have harmful environmental side effects, such as causing haze and forming acid rain when soot compounds react with moisture in the air.
Overall, the smell of a blown-out candle is due to the incomplete combustion of wax, producing soot and other gaseous byproducts. While the smell may be pleasant for some, it is important to be aware of the potential health and environmental risks associated with the presence of soot.
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Natural gas leaks can smell similar to blown-out candles, so it's important to get it checked out
A blown-out candle can emit a distinct odour, which some people may find unpleasant or worrying. This smell is caused by the continued pyrolysis of the candle even after it has been extinguished. When a candle is burning, the heat from the flame melts the wax, which acts as fuel and keeps the flame alight. However, when the candle is blown out, the flame stops, but the wick and wax remain hot, allowing pyrolysis to continue momentarily. This results in the production of solid particles and odorous gases, which rise like smoke and can be detected by our sense of smell.
While the smell of a blown-out candle may not be harmful in small doses, it is important to be aware of potential health and safety concerns. In some cases, this smell could indicate the presence of other issues, such as natural gas leaks. Natural gas is typically odourless, but utilities add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinct rotten-egg or sulphur-like odour to warn of a leak. This smell can be similar to that of a blown-out candle, with a hint of burning or smoke.
If you suspect a natural gas leak, it is crucial to take immediate action. Start by opening windows and doors to ventilate the area and turn off any potential sources of ignition, such as pilot lights or electrical appliances. Avoid operating any electrical switches or creating sparks, as this could trigger an explosion. Leave the area immediately and contact your local gas company or emergency services for assistance. It is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with potential gas leaks.
Additionally, it is worth considering other possible causes of the blown-out candle smell. In some cases, it could be related to electrical issues, especially in older houses with outdated wiring. It might be worthwhile to consult an electrician to inspect the wiring and ensure there are no hazards. While it may not be a cause for concern, it is always beneficial to prioritise safety and get potential risks assessed by professionals.
Furthermore, it is important to be mindful of individual health considerations. Some people have reported experiencing phantom smells, such as burning candles or cologne, after recovering from COVID-19. These olfactory illusions can occur due to changes in the sense of smell and taste caused by the virus. If you have a history of respiratory issues or COVID-19, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions affecting your sense of smell.
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Experiencing phantom smells could be related to health or a paranormal phenomenon
The smell of a blown-out candle could be a result of experiencing phantosmia, or olfactory hallucinations, which is a condition where one detects smells that aren't present in the environment. While phantosmia is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks, it could, in some cases, be indicative of a more serious health issue.
Phantom smells can be caused by peripheral or central factors, or a combination of both. Peripheral phantosmia occurs when rogue neurons malfunction and transmit incorrect signals to the brain, while central phantosmia is caused by active or incorrectly functioning cells in the brain, leading to the perception of a disturbing odour. This condition can also be caused by seizures in the temporal lobe, during which patients often black out and cannot remember what happened.
Phantom smells can be a symptom of various health issues, including allergies, colds, upper respiratory infections, and neurological problems such as epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, or a brain tumour. In some cases, phantosmia may be related to mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. It is recommended that individuals experiencing phantom smells for more than a few weeks consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
While the scientific community recognizes phantosmia as a medical condition, some individuals attribute phantom smells to paranormal phenomena. For example, an individual on Reddit shared their experience of smelling a freshly blown-out candle and, despite checking various sources, was unable to find its origin. The individual jokingly attributed the smell to an "ancient daemon". Thus, while phantom smells are often medically explained, some individuals may interpret them as supernatural occurrences, especially when the source is unclear.
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Frequently asked questions
Inhaling any type of smoke can be unhealthy, and the smoke from a blown-out candle may contain a tiny proportion of pyrolysis products that didn't burn properly. However, there is no definitive research that shows exposure to candle smoke increases your risk of developing health conditions. The European Candle Association recommends ventilating your room after extinguishing a candle to minimize the smoke you breathe in.
The smell from a blown-out candle is due to the pyrolysis of the wick and wax, which are still hot for a few seconds after the flame is extinguished. This produces solid particles and gases that rise like smoke.
Candles made from natural sources, such as soy wax, beeswax, or palm wax, produce less soot and toxic chemicals than those made from paraffin. Trimming the wick and keeping your candles away from drafts can also help decrease the amount of smoke produced.
