Is It Safe To Burn Taper Candles?

Taper candles are a traditional and decorative type of candle that is commonly used for events, religious ceremonies, and ambiance. They are characterized by their long, narrow shape and pointed tip. Taper candles are designed to fit into candle holders, candelabras, and other candle fixtures.

Unlike pillar candles, votives, or tealights which are a single width all the way down, taper candles are wider at the bottom and gradually taper up to the wick at the top. This allows the wax to drip cleanly down the side of the candle as it burns. The wick is generally centered in the candle so it burns evenly.

Taper candles come in a variety of lengths, widths, colors, and materials. Longer tapers are used for candelabras, while shorter versions are popular for table centerpieces and individual candle holders. Beeswax and paraffin wax are common materials used to make taper candles.

Potential Fire Hazards

One of the biggest safety concerns with burning taper candles is the risk of fire. Taper candles have an open flame that can easily catch nearby objects or materials on fire if left unattended.

Things like curtains, tablecloths, furniture, decorations, and more are all potential fire hazards if they are too close to a burning candle’s flame. Even non-flammable objects can get hot enough from the flame to ignite paper, fabrics, or other flammable materials touching them.

It’s important to keep anything flammable at least 12 inches away from a burning taper candle. But even at a seemingly safe distance, a sudden draft or gust of wind could cause the candle’s flame to jump and ignite nearby objects.

Falling asleep or leaving a burning taper candle completely unattended even for a short period greatly increases the fire danger. The open flame can easily grow out of control in minutes and ignite surrounding objects or materials before you even realize there is a fire.

Wax Dripping

One of the main safety issues with burning taper candles is that they tend to drip hot wax as they burn down. The wax can fall onto furniture, countertops, carpets, and other surfaces, potentially damaging them or creating stains. The dripping wax can also land on people’s skin, which can cause painful burns or blisters. Thick, drippy candles like tapers are more prone to this issue than slimmer pillar style candles.

To help prevent wax from dripping, make sure to trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid mushrooming at the tip which leads to more dripping. Only burn the candle for 1-2 hours at a time, extinguishing it before it burns down too far. Place the candle on a candle plate or bowl to catch any wax drips. Keep the candle away from surfaces that could be damaged by wax and be cautious around children and pets who could get burned.

Indoor Air Quality

One potential concern with burning taper candles is their impact on indoor air quality from emissions. As candles burn, they release small particles, gases, and other compounds into the air. The main emissions from candle burning that can affect indoor air quality include:

• Particulate matter (PM) – tiny particles that can irritate lungs
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – chemicals like formaldehyde that have short- and long-term health effects
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – linked to cancer risk
• Soot – accumulates on surfaces and may trigger asthma

The amounts and types of emissions depend on the candle type, ingredients, wick, fragrance, and more. In general, frequent burning of candles in small, enclosed spaces increases exposure to these pollutants. Those most at risk are children, elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. While occasional candle burning likely poses little risk, it’s smart to ensure proper ventilation anytime you light candles indoors.

Lead in Wicks

One potential hazard with burning taper candles is lead exposure from the wick. Many traditional candles contain a lead core wick which helps the wick stay rigid and upright as the candle burns. As the candle burns down, the lead in these wicks vaporizes and can be inhaled or settle on surfaces around the candle.

Lead is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time with repeated exposure. Even small amounts can be harmful, especially for children whose brains are still developing. Lead exposure has been associated with developmental delays, learning disabilities, hearing loss, and other neurological problems in kids.

To avoid lead exposure from candle wicks, check candle labeling and only purchase candles that specifically state they have a lead-free wick. Lead-core wicks have been banned in some countries, but can still be found in cheaper candles that don’t follow safety regulations. Go with a reputable brand whenever possible.

Scented Candles

Scented candles contain fragrances and other chemical additives that can impact indoor air quality when burned. Some concerns around scented candles include:

– Phthalates: These chemicals are sometimes used to make fragrances last longer. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption and other health effects.

– Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Candle fragrances and wicks can emit VOCs like benzene and toluene when burned. Exposure to high levels of VOCs may cause eye, nose and throat irritation or headaches.

– Soot: Scented candles tend to produce more soot than unscented ones. Breathing in tiny particles of soot is not healthy for the lungs.

– Allergies and asthma: The chemicals emitted from scented candles can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms in some people.

– Candle additives: Some candles contain additives like benzene and lead to make the fragrance stronger. These additives can be toxic.

To minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, look for scented candles labeled as phthalate-free, low-VOC, and non-toxic. Be sure to keep wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch to reduce soot.

Child Safety

One of the biggest risks with burning candles is the danger they can pose to children if left unattended. Small children are naturally curious and may be drawn to the flames of lit candles. This curiosity puts them at risk of accidental burns if they get too close to the flame or tip the candle over.

Children should always be closely supervised whenever candles are burning. Candles should be kept safely out of reach of kids and pets to prevent accidental knock overs. Burning candles in rooms where children are sleeping is unsafe, as an unattended child could wander over to the flame in the night.

Some safety tips include never leaving a child alone in a room with lit candles, keeping candles up high where children cannot reach them, using childproof candle holders, and blowing out all candles before leaving a room.

Teaching children about candle safety from an early age is also important. Let them know that fire is dangerous and candles should only be touched by adults. With proper precautions, the risks candles pose to kids can be minimized.

Safety Tips

Here are some important safety tips when burning taper candles:

Use sturdy, tip-proof candleholders. Look for holders made from non-flammable materials like metal, glass or ceramic. Avoid decorative candleholders made from flammable materials like wood or plastic which can melt from the flame. Position candleholders on flat, stable surfaces away from table edges.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Stay in the same room and keep an eye on the candle. Taper candles burn down completely, so the flame can get closer to the holder and surrounding objects as it burns lower. Make sure to extinguish the flame before leaving the room.

Keep candles away from flammable materials. Allow at least 12 inches of clearance between the flame and any combustible surfaces like curtains, upholstery or paper. Avoid placing candles where they could be knocked over by children or pets.

Alternatives to Taper Candles

If you want to avoid the potential fire and safety hazards of traditional candles but still enjoy the ambiance and scent, there are safer options to consider.

One of the most popular alternatives is LED or flameless candles. These realistic looking electronic candles mimic the flicker and glow of a real flame without the fire risk. LED candles use small light bulbs to illuminate the “flame” and are powered by batteries or USB. They produce no smoke, soot, or dripping wax.

LED candles come in all shapes and sizes from votives and tapers to pillars and candelabras. Many are even scented with replaceable cartridges to provide that signature candle aroma. They can be turned on and off easily and often come with convenient timers or remote controls.

Other advantages of LED candles include:

• Much lower risk of fire or burns
• No open flame around children or pets
• Reusable for many years
• Lower cost over time compared to traditional candles

For those who want the beauty of candles without the safety concerns, flameless LED candles offer an excellent alternative while still providing the desired ambiance and scent.

Conclusion

While taper candles can add ambiance and scent to a space, they do come with some potential risks. The open flame poses a fire hazard, especially if left unattended, and melted wax can damage surfaces. The smoke released can also negatively impact indoor air quality. Certain scented candles contain chemicals that can irritate lungs. Additionally, some candle wicks may contain traces of lead.

However, these risks can be minimized by taking proper precautions. Always keep candles away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets. Use unscented or naturally scented soy or beeswax candles when possible. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking. Never leave burning candles unattended, and always extinguish before leaving a room. With safety measures in place, taper candles can be enjoyed in moderation.