Is Black Candle Smoke Dangerous? Tips to Burn Candles Safely

Is Black Smoke from Candles Dangerous?

Candles can add warmth and atmosphere to any space. However, black smoke coming from a candle may cause concern. Is this smoke harmful and what causes it in the first place?

What Causes Black Smoke from Candles?

There are a few reasons you may see dark or black smoke rising from your candle:

Poor quality wicks

Low quality wicks are often made from materials like paper that burn fast. As the wick burns down quickly, it produces more black soot.

Old wicks

Wicks can get old and rigid over time. Stiff wicks dont bend as the candle burns, resulting in uneven burning and smoke.

Long or short wicks

The wick should be trimmed to 14 inch before lighting. Wicks that are too long or too short tend to produce more black smoke.

Wicks not centered

If the wick is off-center, it can create uneven burning and flickering flames that generate more smoke.

Low quality wax

Poor quality candle wax usually comes from paraffin. It melts at a lower temperature, vaporizes faster, and releases more black soot.

Dirty candle jar

Soot can build up on the sides of a candle jar. This disrupts air flow and oxygen supply to the flame, resulting in more smoke.

Burning candle in a draft

Air currents from fans, open windows, or air vents can make candle flames flicker and smoke more.

Is Black Candle Smoke Dangerous?

Most scented candles generate some smoke and soot due to the burning process. But is this black smoke actually dangerous to your health?

Contains carcinogens

The black smoke from candles contains chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies show exposure to PAHs is linked to a higher cancer risk.

Triggers asthma

The smoke may contain respiratory irritants that can worsen asthma and trigger asthma attacks. This is especially true for scented candles.

Causes lung inflammation

Tests show candle emissions can inflame lung cells and airways. Short-term exposure triggers coughing and airway constriction.

Exacerbates allergies

The smoke and scent chemicals can aggravate allergies and trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes.

Contains metal particles

Candle wicks contain metals like zinc and lead. These metals get released into the smoke as the wick burns down.

Worsens indoor air quality

Candle smoke adds to indoor air pollution. Allowing excessive amounts can reduce overall air quality.

However, most studies involved burning numerous candles for hours in small enclosed spaces. Occasional candle usage in a larger ventilated room is less likely to reach concerning toxicity levels in the air.

Who is Most at Risk from Candle Smoke?

While candle smoke may potentially impact anyone's health to some degree, the following groups are most vulnerable:

• Children
• Elderly
• Pregnant women
• People with asthma or allergies
• Individuals with lung conditions like COPD
• People with cardiovascular conditions
• Those with chronic illnesses

Babies and toddlers also have much higher exposure since they are lower to the ground where smoke concentrates. Their still developing lungs and bodies make them more susceptible to irritants.

Tips to Prevent Black Candle Smoke

You can take steps to minimize black smoke when burning candles to create a safer experience:

Trim wicks to 14 inch

Always trim wicks before lighting to prevent long wispy wicks that generate more smoke and dripping wax.

Use cotton wicks

Avoid wicks made from materials like paper, wood, and synthetics. 100% cotton wicks burn cleaner.

Choose soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax

These natural waxes produce less soot and are more environmentally friendly than paraffin wax.

Clean candle jar periodically

Wipe away any black soot buildup on the inside of the glass jar to allow for proper air flow.

Burn candle in shade holder

Use a candle shade or lantern to protect flame from drafts that can cause it to smoke more.

Ventilate room when burning

Open windows or run fans to allow smoke and scents to dissipate instead of accumulating.

Limit burn time to 1-2 hours

Avoid burning candles for excessive periods of time. Take breaks between lighting.

Avoid if sensitive or at risk

Those with lung conditions, pregnant women, and children should avoid candle usage or limit to short durations.

Signs Candle Smoke is a Problem

Look out for these signs that black candle smoke may be negatively impacting the air quality:

• Excessive smoke occurs even with a trimmed wick
• Smoke has a strong odor or irritates eyes, nose, or throat
• Candle emits crackling sounds or a dull flame
• Jar feels hot to the touch
• Waiting 1-2 hours disperses smoke
• Allergy or asthma symptoms flare up

Pay attention to your body's signals. If you develop a cough, congestion, or headache when burning a candle, that's a red flag the smoke is an irritant.

Healthier and Safer Candle Options

To enjoy candles with less risk of dangerous smoke, opt for these safer options:

Beeswax candles

Beeswax burns cleanly without releasing potential toxins or producing much smoke.

Soy wax candles

Soy wax is a vegan alternative that also generates very little soot or scent chemicals.

Unscented candles

Without artificial scents, these dont contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Wooden wick candles

Wooden wicks crackle softly like a fireplace without tipping over and producing smoke plumes.

LED flameless candles

These battery-operated LED candles provide flickering ambience without any actual smoke, flames, or fire risk.

Votive candles

Small votives release less smoke than large pillar or container candles. Use in ventilated candle holders.

Outdoor candles

Letting candles burn on a porch or patio allows smoke and scents to dissipate in the open air.

Safety Tips When Using Candles

Aside from choosing safer candle varieties, follow these tips for burning candles safely and minimizing smoke inhalation:

• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Keep candles away from flammable objects
• Dont burn candles near drafts
• Avoid burning candles for more than 2 hours
• Allow melted wax pool to fully solidify before relighting
• Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets
• Place candle on a stable, heat resistant surface
• Keep candles away from fabrics, books, and other flammables
• Dont burn too many candles in a small space
• Never touch or move a lit candle

With the right precautions, you can safely enjoy the coziness candles add without concern over dangerous smoke.

When to Stop Using Scented Candles

If you develop respiratory symptoms like coughing, congestion, or wheezing from candle usage, that's a sign to stop. Other reasons to discontinue candle burning include:

• Allergy symptoms flare up
• Getting headaches frequently when burning candles
• Candles trigger asthma attacks
• You're pregnant, elderly, or have lung/heart conditions
• The flame produces a lot of black smoke
• The scent is overwhelming and irritating

Pay attention to signals your body is sensitive to candle smoke. Your health is the top priority. Safety comes above aesthetics when it comes to candle usage.

The Bottom Line

Black smoke from a candle now and then is normal and not too concerning. But consistent dark smoke indicates low quality candles that release more soot, scent chemicals, and lung irritants into indoor air. For vulnerable groups, prolonged exposure may pose health risks.

Choosing safer wax and wick types can minimize smoke. Be mindful of ventilation and limit burn times. Stop using scented candles if they make you cough or feel ill. With some awareness and precautions, candles can still be enjoyed safely and transform an environment with their alluring ambience and glow.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.