Candles

From: National Candle Association http://www.candles.org

Candles today are available in a seemingly endless variety of fragrances that remind us of happy events and fond emotions in our lives: family vacations at the beach, grandma’s homemade cookies, blooming flowers in the spring, and warm apple cider in autumn. Scented candles help consumers feel relaxed, refreshed and calm.

In fact, consumers consider fragrance an increasingly important feature when buying candles.

Aromatherapy De-Mystified
The sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses and fragrance experts say some scents can have deep influence on men and women. However, there's a misconception among consumers that most fragranced candles are 'aromatherapy' candles. Most fragranced candles available to consumers do not contain essential oils, and those that do, may not have enough to produce aromatherapy effects.

Most fragranced candles produce an effect called 'aroma-chology'. Aroma-chology deals only with the psychological effects achieved through the use of ambient odors — synthetic or natural, which stimulate olfactory pathways to the brain. Aromatherapy, on the other hand, deals with the physiological or therapeutic effects of natural essential oils only, introduced by means of transdermal absorption resulting from massage, ingestion or olfaction.

Safety of U.S.-Made Scented Candles
Decades of scientific research, risk assessment and a history of safe use in the marketplace, support the safety of fragrances in candles. Additionally, U.S. candle and fragrance manufacturers work closely together to ensure that scents are used safely and appropriately so candles can burn properly and cleanly. A variety of health and safety tests are conducted on fragrance raw materials to ensure their safe use in consumer products, such as candles.

When using candles, consumers should follow these steps to ensure clean burning with minimal soot:

Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each use.
Remove wick trimmings, matches and other debris from the wax pool.
Keep lighted candles away from drafts and vents.
Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
Extinguish any candle that is smoking or noticeably flickering.
Place burning candles at least 3 inches apart from one another.
Do not burn too many candles in a small room or in a "tight" home where air exchange is limited.

The Science of Scents
Scented candles range from traditional vanilla and bayberry scents to spicy cinnamon, flowery jasmine and even exotic scents, such as ginger.

The fragrances used in candles generally are a combination of natural and synthetic materials, which are safe, high-quality ingredients that are found in many popular consumer items, such as perfumes, soaps, shampoos, or personal-care products.

Nearly all of the millions of Americans who use scented candles every day have positive responses. But, just as some people are allergic to certain foods, flowers or plants, it is possible that a handful of consumers may react negatively to certain candle scents.

The National Candle Association recommends that consumers with known fragrance sensitivities or allergies avoid purchasing candles featuring those scents, and always remember to burn candles in a well-ventilated room.

Questions and Answers About Fragrances

Are scented candles safe?
Yes. A well-made, properly burning candle produces harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. The same is true for a scented candle, only a fragrance is also released. Reputable candle manufacturers carefully formulate their scented candles with the appropriate amount of fragrance, and use only fragrances specifically approved for candle use. Research and a proven history support the safety of scented candles when burned properly and as instructed by the manufacturer.

Do scented candles produce more soot than unscented candles?
Although the oils found in certain fragrances may slightly increase the small amount of soot a candle can produce, a properly-made scented candle is not a significant source of soot. The primary factors affecting candle sooting are flame flicker and wick length, not fragrance. U.S. candle and fragrance manufacturers work closely together to ensure that fragrances are appropriately incorporated into the wax mixture to burn safely and properly.

Are candles with essential oils safer?
No. A natural ingredient, as opposed to a manufactured or synthesized ingredient, is not necessarily any safer. In fact, scores of "natural" ingredients are known to be extremely toxic to humans in very small amounts. NCA members are committed to manufacturing candles that use ingredients known to be safe, whether "natural" or synthesized.

What kinds of fragrances are used in scented candles?
Most scented candles contain a combination of natural and synthetic fragrances. Candle manufacturers can select from an estimated 500 to 800 aroma chemicals and essential oils that are compatible with the chemistry of candle combustion, as well as pleasing to consumers.

Is there such a thing as too much fragrance in a candle?
For every candle formulation, there is a maximum amount of fragrance that can be added before it will no longer burn properly. NCA members carefully monitor the addition of fragrances to ensure manufacturing candles that will burn cleanly and safely. There have been some reports of homemade scented candles containing too much fragrance, or fragrances not approved for candle use, which can lead to improper burn performance or excess sooting.

Are lead-core wicks found in scented candles?
Members of the National Candle Association – which account for the vast majority of candles manufactured in the U.S. – do not use lead wicks. Scented candles made by NCA member companies use cotton, cotton-paper, zinc-core or tin-core wicks, all of which are safe.

Are the fragrances used in scented candles tested for health effects and safety?
Health and safety studies are conducted for fragrance materials, including toxicological and dermatological tests. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) tests individual fragrance materials, develops testing protocols, and collects fragrance safety data from around the world. RIFM submits its finding to the International Fragrance Association, which establishes safety guidelines and standards for fragrance manufacturers worldwide.

Do scented candles emit dangerous amounts of toxic pollutants into the air?
No. A well-made candle, whether scented or unscented, will primarily produce water vapor and carbon dioxide when burning properly. The bottom line for consumers is that scented candles from reputable manufacturers are safe when used properly.

Are scented candles triggers for asthma and allergies?
Although millions of Americans regularly use scented candles without any negative effects, it is always possible a particular fragrance may trigger a negative reaction in sensitive individuals. People with known sensitivities to specific fragrances should avoid candles of those scents. In addition, consumers should remember to burn all candles, scented or otherwise, in well-ventilated areas.

For More Information Visit: National Candle Association http://www.candles.org