News
December 20, 2021
National Candle Association and global candle industry examine candle safety
A major new study conducted by the National Candle Association (NCA), European Candle Association (ECA), and the Latin American Candle Manufacturers Association (ALAFAVE), has examined candle emissions and the safety of burning scented candles in the home. Specifically, the research was designed to determine and evaluate the release of gaseous compounds and airborne particles during the burning of candles with different wax and fragrance combinations.
According to NCA, fragrance is by far the most important characteristic impacting candle purchases today, prompting the need for new, reliable data on emissions of scented candles.
The study, published in the October 2021 issue of Environment International, is the largest and most comprehensive study to date to evaluate the emissions of burning candles of varying compositions (meaning wax type and if the candle is scented or unscented). The study demonstrated that typical fragranced candle emissions are below the most conservative safe limits set by regulatory authorities and safety organizations.
“Being able to clearly demonstrate that the use of scented candles is safe is of utmost importance to our industry,” said Dr. Rob Harrington, a toxicologist and the Director of Regulatory Affairs for Arylessence and an NCA member. “This is the most comprehensive study of candle emissions available to date. We looked at potentially hazardous combustion products and other candle emissions, such as fragrance, to determine if there is any potential health risk associated with scented candles. This study refutes allegations that candles are harmful to health and clearly demonstrates that candle emissions are well below the strictest safety standards set by authorities worldwide.”
Most candles today are made from paraffin wax, soy wax, or palm wax, as well as wax blends. The demand for candles has continued to rise as both consumers and industries, such as hospitality, wellness and foodservice, enjoy the aesthetic and mental health benefits of candles.
This study demonstrated that consumers can be confident that a well-made and properly burned candle will burn cleanly and safely, despite unfounded concerns. We encourage consumers to visit https://candles.org/research-studies/ to review NCA studies for accurate information about the health and safety of candles.
The full study on candle emissions can be found here: Measurement and evaluation of gaseous and particulate emissions from burning scented and unscented candles – ScienceDirect.
