Dangerous Decor
Ornamental candles, we have all seen them. If you are an avid candle lover, chances are you’ve probably seen some sort of ornamental candle or votive sprinkled with lavender or rose petals. Of course flowers add a natural pop of color encased in the plain white wax, but did the maker stop to think about whether the candle adorned with flammable petals is actually safe?
One of the biggest issues with ornamental candles, specifically ones with flowers or other natural material, is the risk of a fire hazard. Candles featuring natural materials might not function as a single wick candle like the maker intended it to. Rather, the wick will ignite the flower crusted material creating little fires on the surface of the candle. Chief Fire Officer Wayne Bedford stated, “the candle didn't burn as a single wick - its entire top was burning off. Bits of rose petals dropped out and burnt on their own away from the candle.”(NZ Herald, 2017). The Fire Chief, Wayne Bedford, was alluding to the sputtering that occurs with dried material, the material catches fire and can “pop” out of the container and continue burning on its own.
A sputter is essentially a mini candle explosion that creates a fire due to the interruption of an added substance, in this case the substance is natural materials (i.e. flowers, herbs, etc.). The sputtering of substances that are on fire are extremely dangerous and increase the risk of accidental fires. Candle explosions are triggered by a chemical reaction between the heated wax and the remaining water in the natural materials become instantly vaporized, which also increases the size of the flame and smoke output. This is because the wax coating on the natural material acts as an incendiary exposed to oxygen and causes the material to quickly combust. To put it simply, candles are supposed to be controlled flames in a secure environment, but when extremely combustible material is added it creates a recipe for disaster.
In addition to the potential of unintended fires, organic materials such as dried flowers, create excessive smoke when lit and release carcinogens into the air. When a maker selects their usable elements, such as a wick, they want a product that will serve its function while also being mindful of the burn consistency and smoke throw. Another reason makers are selective about wicks is because if made with improper material it can create an awful smell. The National Candle Association wrote, “Selecting the correct wick is critical to making a candle that burns cleanly and properly. Reputable candle manufacturers take great care in selecting a wick of the proper size, shape and material to meet the burn requirements of a particular candle.”(NCA, 2017). This same consideration should be given when adding additional material that could potentially be combustible.
To put it simply, candles are supposed to be controlled flames in a secure environment. However, when extremely combustible material is added it creates a risk of a fire hazard; sputtering, excess smoke and carcinogens, and sometimes a bad smell can occur. Most creators/makers' goal is to create a truly unique product that is both functional and safe for the consumer. Even though a candle might look beautiful with the extra adornments, it is important that the maker stop and ask themselves if the material is combustible and if the additional materials serve an overall functioning. Makers should ask themselves these questions to ensure that the product is able to function efficiently and that it is safe for customers/consumers.
Works Cited
“Elements of a Candle: Wicks.” National Candle Association, 19 Aug. 2019.
https://candles.org/elements-of-a-candle/wicks/
“Flower candles are danger, say fire officials” NZ Herald, 18 Sept. 2017.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10333119
Quick Links
Exploding Candles: The Why, How, And What to Look Out For
Reddit “Are dried flowers/herbs on top of candles safe?”
Reddit “Putting perishable items in candles...?”
