Navigating the Beauty and Safety of Ornamental Candles: Understanding the Risks of Botanicals
During the pandemic, I began making candles for a client and for my love chemistry as I set alone an isolated in my home during that year. In the last few years, ornamental candles adorned with botanicals have become increasingly popular, captivating consumers with their natural beauty and aromatic allure.
However, while these candles add a touch of elegance to any space, it is essential to understand the safety considerations surrounding the use of botanicals in candles. Let's explore the delicate balance between aesthetics and safety when it comes to ornamental candles.
The Appeal of Ornamental Candles
Ornamental candles, often embellished with dried flowers, herbs, or other botanicals, offer a unique and visually stunning addition to any home decorations. The delicate rose petals to fragrant lavender buds, these botanical accents add a touch of natural beauty and sophistication to candle designs. Whether used as centerpieces for special occasions or as everyday decor, ornamental candles create a sense of ambiance and tranquility in any room.
Understanding the Risks
While botanicals enhance the aesthetic appeal of candles, they also introduce potential safety risks. When botanicals come into contact with the flame of a burning candle, they can ignite and create a fire hazard. Additionally, certain botanicals may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned, contributing to indoor air pollution and potentially causing respiratory irritation.
We choose not to create such candles due to the risks it can cause. However we also believe in the education for consumer safety.
Safe Practices for Botanical Candles
In an attempt to mitigate the risks associated with botanicals in candles, it's essential to follow safe practices when selecting and using ornamental candles:
1. Choose High-Quality Candles: Opt for candles made from high-quality materials, such as natural soy wax or beeswax, which burn more cleanly than paraffin wax. View the label or inquiry about the ingredients. Any candles that indicates soy blend is mixed with another type of wax such as most common being paraffin wax.
2. Avoid Flammable Botanicals: When selecting ornamental candles, choose designs that feature non-flammable botanicals or botanicals that have been treated to reduce flammability. Avoid candles with highly flammable botanicals such as dried citrus peels or pinecones.
3. Keep Botanicals Away from the Flame: Place ornamental candles in a stable, heat-resistant holder and trim the wick to a safe length before lighting. Ensure that botanicals are positioned away from the flame to prevent them from catching fire.
4. Use Extreme Caution When Burning: Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Avoid burning ornamental candles for extended periods or in drafty areas where botanicals may come into contact with the flame.
Ornamental candles adorned with botanicals offer a beautiful and aromatic addition to any home decoration scheme. However, it's essential to prioritize safety when selecting and using these types of candles to minimize the risk of fire or indoor air pollution. By following safe practices and exercising caution, if you choose to enjoy theses ornamental candles while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment in your home.