Is Black Soot From Candles Dangerous?

Have you ever seen a black ring of soot form on the inside of candles or black staining around your walls and ceiling from burning candles? Many of us use candles regularly for fragrance or ambiance, but we probably don’t consider whether those candles are leaving behind dangerous black soot. Our immediate reaction may be that some black carbon staining is an inevitable byproduct of burning a candle. But how much soot is normal and at what point should we be concerned about potential health effects or damage to our homes?

In this article, we’ll dive into what exactly candle soot is, the potential dangers it poses, how much soot burning a candle actually produces, tips for reducing soot when burning candles, safety precautions to take, how to clean up candle soot stains, signs you may have a dangerous soot problem, alternatives to candles, and more. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of candle soot so you can enjoy candles safely and avoid or minimize any risks that black carbon staining may present in your home.

What Is Candle Soot?

Candle soot, also known as carbon black, is the black smoke that comes from candles when they burn. According to Alumina Life, “Soot is black smoke that comes from unclean-burning candles because they release unburned carbon atoms into the air.”

As Everything Dawn explains, “The smoke is basically from the minuscule particles of carbon in the wax (that weren’t completely burned) combined with a bit of steam.” When a candle burns, the wax melts and vaporizes. If there is insufficient oxygen for complete combustion, these vapors cannot be fully oxidized, resulting in soot.

Potential Health Risks

Burning candles, especially scented candles, can release compounds into the air that may cause potential health risks. The primary concerns around candle soot are respiratory issues and cancer/toxicity risks.

According to some studies, breathing in candle soot over time may aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions like allergies or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/09/well/scented-candles-health.html). The particulate matter from candle smoke can irritate airways and make breathing more difficult for those with respiratory sensitivities.

There has also been some concern over whether long-term exposure to candle emissions could increase cancer risk. Certain chemicals like benzene and toluene are known carcinogens and have been detected in small amounts in candle smoke (https://www.today.com/health/burning-candles-bad-for-you-rcna80223). However, research indicates the levels present from occasional candle usage are extremely low compared to other significant sources of indoor air pollution like cigarette smoke, cooking fumes, or VOC off-gassing from furnishings and building materials. The cancer risk from candle soot is likely minimal.

While candle soot should not be ignored, the health risks are relatively small, especially if candles are burned only occasionally and in well-ventilated spaces. Proper usage and limited exposure can help minimize any potential concerns.

Amount of Soot Produced

The amount of soot produced by a candle depends on several factors:

Wick size – Larger wicks tend to produce more soot because they burn hotter and faster. Wide wicks also curl over as they burn, creating elongated flames that generate more soot.

Wax composition – Harder waxes like paraffin and soy tend to produce more soot than softer waxes like beeswax or gel wax. The softness of the wax impacts how quickly it melts and burns.

Fragrance – Heavily scented candles generate more soot particles in the air. Studies show scented candles produce more soot than unscented versions.

According to testing done by Snyder’s Carpet Care, a typical 14 oz. jar candle produces about 1.1 grams of soot per hour when burned. Taper candles generate around 0.5 grams per inch of burned candle. Luxury candles marketed as “sootless” can produce traces amounts around 0.1 grams per hour.

Over the lifespan of a candle, anywhere from 2 to 14 grams of soot can be produced depending on the size, wax, wick and fragrance. Properly caring for candles by trimming wicks and avoiding drafts can help minimize soot production.

Reducing Candle Soot

There are a few strategies you can use to reduce the amount of soot produced by candles.

Proper wick trimming is one of the simplest ways to reduce soot. The wicks should be trimmed to 1/4 inch before lighting according to 5 Easy Ways To Reduce Candle Soot. Trimming the wick prevents it from getting too long which results in inefficient burning and more soot.

Using soy or beeswax candles rather than paraffin candles can also decrease soot. The natural waxes in soy and beeswax candles burn cleaner and cooler than paraffin wax, producing less soot according to What Is Candle Soot & How To Get Rid Of It.

Ensuring proper ventilation when burning candles is another effective way to reduce soot buildup. Opening windows or using air purifiers helps blow away and filter out soot particles before they can settle on surfaces.

Safety Tips

When burning candles, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips to prevent fires and limit exposure to potentially harmful candle soot.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) article, you should keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, like curtains or furniture. Candles produce heat as they burn, so keeping them far from flammable items reduces fire risks.

Additionally, the NFPA recommends not burning a candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Longer burn times can cause high amounts of soot to accumulate or lead to instability of the candle itself. Limiting burn times helps minimize soot production.

Proper ventilation is also key for candle safety. The Candle Safety Council guide notes that you should burn candles in well-ventilated rooms to allow heat and particulates to dissipate. Avoid drafty areas where air currents can cause the flame to tunnel down into the wax pool and produce more soot.

Following basic precautions like keeping candles away from flammable objects, avoiding long burn times, and ensuring good ventilation can help maximize safety when using candles.

Soot Cleanup

Cleaning up soot stains and residue left behind from candle burning can be tedious, but is manageable with the right techniques. Here are some tips for cleaning soot off of different surfaces:

On walls or ceiling:
– Wipe the soot gently with a microfiber cloth to remove surface residue.
– For more stubborn stains, use a magic eraser to lift soot off painted walls without damaging the paint.
– Vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners can also help cut through greasy soot.
– Repainting may be necessary if stains remain after cleaning.

On fabric or carpet:
– Gently brush off any loose soot.
– Use a vacuum hose attachment to suck up remaining debris.
– Apply carpet or upholstery cleaner to lift stains, allowing time to soak if needed.
– For heavy stains, tryhydrogen peroxide, baking soda paste, or diluted bleach.

On glass:
– Wipe down with glass cleaner or vinegar and scrub with a microfiber cloth.
– For stubborn buildup, allow citrus-based degreasers or ammonia to soak before scrubbing.

On wood furniture:
– Wipe down with a wood oil soap using minimal pressure.
– Rub in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.
– Avoid using excess moisture which could damage the wood over time.

No matter the surface, avoid abrasive scrubbing which can rub soot deeper into the material. Work carefully to lift stains without causing extra damage. With consistent cleaning efforts, candle soot can be removed from most surfaces.

When to Be Concerned

Certain groups may be more susceptible to risks from candle soot exposure. According to The New York Times, the elderly, children, and people with respiratory conditions like asthma should take extra precautions with candle usage.

Signs that soot buildup from candles may be excessive include finding black residue on walls, furniture, curtains, or other surfaces. The Today Show advises watching out for increased dust or grime buildup in rooms where candles are frequently burned. If soot is routinely observed after burning candles, it’s a good idea to improve ventilation or cut back on usage.

According to Green America, another warning sign is if you experience headaches, dizziness, nausea or breathing issues like coughing or wheezing when candles are lit. These symptoms could indicate sensitivity to compounds released from the candle. Discontinuing use and consulting a doctor is recommended if any concerning health effects occur.

Alternatives to Candles

There are many other options besides traditional candles that can provide pleasant light, fragrance, and ambience in your home without the potential risks of soot or open flames. Some popular candle alternatives include:

LED Candles: These realistic-looking electric candles mimic the visual effect of a burning flame without producing any smoke or soot. LED candles come in all shapes and sizes, from votives to pillars to candelabras. They offer a safe and clean alternative to real wax candles. Some even have timers or remote controls so you can program them. Check out a wide selection at Amazon.

Essential Oil Diffusers: Diffusers disperse essential oils into the air to fill a space with lovely scents and aromatherapy benefits. Ultrasonic and nebulizing diffusers create fine, fragrant mists without needing heat or flames. Popular brands include Vitruvi, InnoGear, and Pure Daily Care.

Natural Light Sources: Candles are often used to create cozy lighting. Try flameless alternatives like Himalayan salt lamps or fairy lights instead to achieve the same effect safely. Strategic lamps around a room can also provide warm, inviting light at night.

Conclusion

In summary, while burning candles produces soot as a byproduct of incomplete combustion, the amount of soot released by most candles is minimal and not considered dangerous in normal household use. The key risks are from burning large numbers of candles frequently without adequate ventilation, or from candles that produce more soot like paraffin or scented candles. Soy, beeswax and vegetable-based candles produce less soot. Simple precautions like trimming wicks, avoiding drafts, and ventilating rooms can minimize risks. For those concerned, LED flameless candles are a soot-free alternative. Overall, occasional candle usage in a well-ventilated home is considered safe, but those with respiratory issues may want to minimize exposure as a precaution.