Candle safety for children and pets

Candles can add warmth and ambiance to your home, but it's important to use them safely to prevent accidents and injuries. When burning candles, it's especially important to keep children and pets in mind.

Here are some tips to keep children and pets safe when burning candles:

1. Avoid paraffin wax candles. they are not considered safe for pets and children.

2. Keep candles out of reach: Place candles on high surfaces where they cannot be knocked over or touched.

3. Never leave candles unattended: Always keep an eye on candles while they are burning. Make sure to extinguish them before leaving the room or going to bed.

4. Trim wicks: Trim candle wicks to ¼ inch before lighting them. This will help prevent the flame from getting too large and potentially causing a fire.

5. Teach children about candle safety: Teach children not to touch candles and to stay away from them when they are burning. Explain the dangers of playing with fire and the importance of using candles safely.

By following these tips, you can keep children and pets safe when burning candles. It's also important to purchase high-quality candles from reputable retailers to ensure that they are made with safe and non-toxic materials.

paraffin wax candles

Petroleum-based candles, also known as paraffin wax candles, are made from a byproduct of petroleum. While they are a popular choice because they are inexpensive and widely available, they are not considered safe for pets and children due to several reasons:

Toxic Chemicals: Paraffin wax candles can release toxic chemicals when they are burned, such as benzene and toluene. These chemicals can be harmful to pets and children, especially if they have respiratory issues or allergies.

Soot: When burned, paraffin wax candles can also produce soot, which can be harmful when inhaled.

Risk of Fire: Paraffin wax candles have a higher melting point and can burn at a higher temperature than other types of candles. This means that they pose a higher risk of fire if they are not used safely or if they are placed near flammable objects.

Pets, in particular, may be more sensitive to these chemicals due to their smaller size and more delicate respiratory systems. Inhaling these chemicals can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, sneezing, and other respiratory issues. Additionally, pets may also be sensitive to the strong scents often used in paraffin wax candles, which can further irritate their respiratory system and cause discomfort.

Children may also be more vulnerable to the potential harm caused by paraffin wax candles due to their smaller size and developing respiratory systems. Young children may be more likely to breathe in the chemicals released by burning candles due to their proximity to the flame and the fact that they may not understand the potential risks of being near candles.

In contrast, candles made from natural, non-toxic materials such as coconut wax are generally considered to be safer for pets and children. These candles are free from harmful chemicals and produce less soot and smoke when burned. They also tend to burn at a lower temperature, reducing the risk of fire.

Overall, it's important to consider the materials and safety of candles before burning them around pets and children. By choosing natural, non-toxic candles, you can enjoy the warm glow and fragrance of candles without worrying about potential health risks or hazards.