Hello Handmakers!
We found this interesting post by the National Candle Association (NCA) and wanted to share with you this information on 4 common candle myths (some of which are actually frequently asked questions by our customers too) ๐
by National Candle Association
Inaccuracies around candles continue to populate the media, and some of these unfounded claims can be alarming. Luckily, weโre here to separate fact from fiction, so you can feel confident about burning candles safely.
MYTH: Unscented candles are safer than scented candles.
There are no known health hazards associated with scented candles. National Candle Association members are committed to manufacturing candles with fragrances that are safe and approved for use in candles, whether natural or synthesized. Scented or unscented, you can rest assured that any well-made and properly burned candle will burn cleanly and safely.
The fragrance oils and candle scents at Craftiviti are sourced from approved fragrance companies so you can be confident that the scented oils are safe when burned as well.
MYTH: Candle soot can be harmful.
The small amount of soot produced by a candle is the natural byproduct of incomplete combustion and is not considered a health concern. This is similar to the soot given off by kitchen toasters and cooking oils and is chemically different from the soot formed by the burning of diesel fuel, coal, or gasoline.
While you shouldnโt be worried about candle soot, there are a few ways to reduce it. Trim the wick to ยผ inch before every use to promote proper flame height. Additionally, place the candle away from drafty areas to avoid flame flickering, and ensure that the wax pool is free of debris.
MYTH: Some candle waxes are better than others.
While you may have heard that certain candle waxes burn โbetterโ than other types, this is nothing but a common rumor.
An international study was conducted on soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, and other commonly used waxes. Findings showed that all well-made candles exhibit the same clean burning behavior, and pose no risks to human health or indoor air quality.
MYTH: Certain candles contain lead wicks, and should be avoided.
The use of lead in candle wicks was formally banned in 2003, after being identified as a public health concern by the Environmental Protection Agency. Members of the National Candle Association discontinued the use of lead wicks in the 1970s (we don’t sell lead wicks at Craftiviti too, but we do have zinc wicks which has plenty of research proving that it’s safe to use!).
Therefore, there is no longer any reason to be concerned about lead wicks โ or the toxicity of any candle wick material. Scientific studies have repeatedly shown candle wicks to be safe and non-toxic.
At Craftiviti, we have also sell wicks from the HTP, LX and ECO series. These are completely safe for candle making and are popular with candle makers worldwide.
Check our more related posts here:
General Candle Making Info
๐ Candle Making – Soy Wax VS Palm Wax
๐ What are Floral Waxes?
๐ 9 Common Candle Making Mistakes and How to Avoid or Fix Them
๐ Cure in Candle Making VS Cure in Soap Making
๐ Your Ultimate Candle Wick Guide
๐ Types of Wicks and Which to Use for Candle Making
๐ What does flashpoint in fragrance oils mean?
๐ Your Ultimate Scent Category Guide to Craftivitiโs Fragrance Oils
On Natural Wax Candles (Soy Candle, Palm Candle)
๐ DIY Lemongrass Soy Wax Candle
๐ Get to Know: Craftiviti’s Candle Additive for Soy Wax Candles
๐ Romantic Rose Palm Wax Candle DIY
๐ DIY Pillar Candle Using Creamy Palm Wax
On Syntheticย Gel Candles
๐ About High Density Gel Wax and How to Make Transparent Gel Candles
๐ DIY Sweet and Flowery Gel Wax Candle + Bloopers, Tips and Tricks!
On Wax Melts and Wax Sachets
๐ DIY Mini Lavender, Rose and Lemon Hearts Wax Melts
๐ DIY Strawberry Honey Soy Wax Melts in 4 Steps
๐ DIY Aromatherapeutic Wax Sachet
๐ Turning Broken Wax Sachets into New Candles!