What Are The Side Effects Of Candle Making?
Candle making is a hobby that can be incredibly rewarding and fun, however, it can also present some risks to the health and safety of the person creating the candles. The following are some of the potential side effects that may be associated with candle making:
Burns
The most common side effect of candle making is burns, which are usually caused by contact with hot wax or heat sources. To prevent this, it is important to take safety precautions when working with melted wax, such as using protective gloves and wearing long sleeves.
Skin Irritation
Certain ingredients used in candle making may cause skin irritation. For example, soy wax is known to occasionally cause skin irritation in some people. To reduce the risk of this, it is important to be aware of any potential allergens in the ingredients used in the candle making and take necessary measures to ensure that your skin is not exposed to them.
Breathing Problems
Inhaling the fumes given off by melted wax may cause respiratory irritation and even long-term respiratory problems. To reduce the risk of this, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and use a candle-making hood or other method of ventilation to reduce the amount of fumes inhaled.
Flammability
The combination of melted wax and heat sources is highly flammable and presents a risk of fire. To reduce the risk of this, it is important to ensure that the workspace is clear of any combustible materials, and that all heat sources are used cautiously and kept away from the wax.
Ultimately, candle making can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, however it is important to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Recommended reading: The Candle Making Masterclass: How to Make Candles Safely And Easily at Home. Include proper cite of all references used
Side Effects of Candle Making
Candle making is an engaging and creative hobby that allows you to customize scents, shapes, and colors to your desire, add flair to your home, and provide a relaxing and soothing atmosphere to a room. While many people think of candle making as a harmless craft, there are potential side effects that should be considered before you go all in on your candle-making venture.
Burns
Mishandling of hot wax, falling into a wax bath, or burning yourself while gluing wicks to a container can all result in painful and sometimes serious burns. The temperature at which candle wax melts is around 130-160 degrees Fahrenheit so burns can occur if you are careless. Although it’s not likely, some dangerous burns can happen if hot wax splatters, especially on bare skin. 1
Respiratory Issues
The scent of candles can be invigorating and create a sense of calm, however, the effects of the ingredients used to create the candles and the fumes generated from the burning of candles may not be as beneficial to your health. Candle ingredients such as paraffin and other petroleum-based materials can release hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. In addition, the mold and dye used to form the shape of candles and change their color respectively, can contain hazardous ingredients such as chromium oxide, titanium dioxide, and copper. 2 As such, burning multiple candles, or candles with strong scents, may expose you to these VOCs and they cause health effects such as difficulty breathing, mucous membrane irritation, watery eyes, headaches, sore throats and even nausea.
Fire Hazard
Candle making can potentially be a fire hazard if the proper safety measures are not taken. Before lighting a candle, always ensure that it is firmly placed in an appropriate holder, on a steady surface, away from other flammable items and out of the reach of children. In addition, never leave any lit candles unattended, as any accident can happen quickly. Lastly, make sure that the wick of your candle is no longer than ¼ inches, as longer wicks generate large, likely dangerous, flames. 3
References
- UFA Co-Operative Ltd. “Safety Precautions While Making Candles”. UFA.com. January 16, 2020. https://www.ufa.com/blog/safety-precautions-while-making-candles
- Ho, Brie. “Candle Making Health & Safety Guide”. SoapQueen.com. February 06, 2020. https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/candle-making-health-and-safety-guide/
- Shaw, Diana. “10 Important Candle Safety Tips Everyone Should Know”. Candle Junkies. January 19, 2020. https://candlejunkies.com/candle-safety-tips/
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
