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Gel Candle Safety

A Message from Penreco - March 2002

Hi Everyone!

I wanted you to be one of the first to see this recently issued statement by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
regarding gel candles. The NFPA is a non-profit, non-affiliated association dedicated to reducing the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life. They are the publisher of the National Electric Code and other Internationally accepted safety codes.

About 8 weeks ago the NFPA came to Penreco and the NCA in an effort to learn more about gel candles as many of their fire protection associations had been questioned about "exploding gel candles". The NFPA spent some time learning as much as they could about the product and although the NFPA is not allowed to make recommendations on consumer products they found that gel candles are no more likely to cause a fire than a traditional wax candle and essentially found no real evidence of exploding gel candles.

I've attached the links to their home page and the report for you
review. Please feel free to use it as you may.
Take Care,
Ed
PENRECO
http://www.nfpa.org/Research/NFPAFactSheets/CandleSafety/Gel_candles/gel_candles.asp
http://www.nfpa.org/Home/AboutNFPA/index.asp

NFPA Fact Sheets
Candle Safety

About Gel Candles
by Marty Ahrens

Are gel candles more likely to cause fires - or especially serious fires - than other candles? While NFPA does not have statistics specifically on gel candles and cannot comment specifically, we can provide a context for thinking about the issue.

Fire is a chemical reaction that occurs when a heat source comes into contact with a fuel source (something that will burn) and oxygen. A candle of any type can be a heat source as well as a small "friendly" fire.

What happens when a candle burns? When a flame is applied to the wick, the wax or gel begins to melt or liquefy and then produces vapor. It is actually the vapor that burns. The intensity of the flame depends in part on the material used in the formulation, including waxes, gels and other additives. Penreco, a manufacturer of gels used in candles, cautions that gel burns hotter than wax. Too much heat can shatter a glass candleholder or container and make it more likely that nearby combustibles will be ignited, resulting in a room fire.

Most materials will burn if they are heated sufficiently. Every year, home fires are started when candles ignite mattresses or bedding, cabinetry, curtains or drapes, wall covering, upholstered furniture, decorations, clothing, papers or magazines, and linens. It is important to keep combustible materials clear of all potential heat sources, including candles. If not, then as other materials ignite, the amount of heat present will increase, and cause still more items to be ignited. As long as fuel, oxygen and sufficient heat are present, the fire will continue to burn and grow. This process is the same whether the fire was started by a candle, a match or even by a hot object such as a heater.

Consumers expect the products they buy to operate in a safe and predictable manner. Many products are tested by independent laboratories to provide assurance of meeting designated safety standards. ASTM International's Candle Fire Safety Task Group, part of F 15.45 Candle Products Subcommittee, is working to develop a standard testing protocol for candle fire safety issues, although they are focusing first on wax candles. At present, each candle producer is responsible for testing its own products according to its own standards.

Are safety issues different for gel candles? Penreco issued a product bulletin Safety Factors: Clear Gel Candle Formulations. The authors describe the requirements for and interactions of the different components of gel candles, including what can go wrong when these factors are not considered. Safety tips for consumers using these candles are also included. The advice for producers provides a context for some of the tips.

Sometimes, unsafe products do make it to the market. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with reducing deaths and injuries from a wide variety of consumer products. They investigate complaints about unsafe products and issue recalls when warranted. While CPSC has issued at least four recalls of gel candles or related products (press releases #02-089, #98-114, #97-005, and #00-044 are viewable on Penreco´s Web site, they have also recalled a number of wax candles. Recalls occur after a review of available information. There has been no general finding that gel candle technology presents an unusual hazard.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at 1-800-638-2772, x 650, fax 1-800-809-0924, send an e-mail to hazard@cpsc..gov or visit CPSC's Web site.

For more information on candle fires, please refer to NFPA's candle fire fact sheet. NFPA does not test, approve or label any products.

Marty Ahrens is a fire analysis specialist at NFPA and author of NFPA's "Candle Fires in U.S. Homes and Other Occupancies: A Statistical Analysis." NFPA members may download the report for free. Non-members may order the report from the One-Stop Data Shop, (617) 984-7450, e-mail osds@nfpa.org.

2002, NFPA

Gel Candle Myths

Myth #1- Gel candles are more dangerous then wax candles.

Fact: According to records of the Consumer Products Safety Commission out of 34 recalls, only 3 were gel candles. Research shows that most of the items that were recalled were due to large flames and breaking glassware. If a consumer follows the safety instructions included with gel candles, they will be aware of the care of gel candles and can avoid any problems.

Myth #2 - Gel candles cost more then wax.

Fact: Although gel candles may be higher in price, the final outcome will prove gel candles are very economical. Gel candles will burn on an average of twice as long as wax candles. In addition the unique designs that can be created with gel candles surpasses those of regular wax.

Myth #3 - I have seen e-mails that say gel candles explode and contain gases.

Fact: Gel candles do not explode. However, if the customer burns a candle all the way to the bottom of the glassware it can create too much heat and shatter the glassware. This could be interpreted as an “explosion”. Gel candles do not emit any mysterious gases which cause explosions. Gel candles are 95% common food grade mineral oil and 5% resin.

Myth # 4 - I have heard news reports that say gel candles are using lead wicks.

Fact: This is false. Lead wicks are no longer in use in the United States. Many gel candle makers use a zinc or tin wick. This is a safe wick and does not contain lead. However, if you purchase candles made in foreign countries they could contain lead.

Misc Info:

Research shows that most candles that are subject to recalls have been manufactured in foreign countries. In fact, out of 25 candle recalls in recent years, only 4 of these have been gel candles. These companies do a great injustice to the local candle maker that takes pride in their product. Although we are small candle makers we take great measures to make the best and safest candle possible. When burning gel candles, familiarize yourself with the safety warning attached. You will find that most of these warnings are the same that are used for wax candles. Always make sure to trim your wick to 1/4" or less. This will prevent large flare ups. And just like wax, always stop burning your candle approximately 1' from the bottom.

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