In the realm of home decor, the trend of using dough bowls (that aren’t treated with fire retardant coating)and natural additives like crystals, herbs, and flower petals in candles has surged in popularity. However, beneath their aesthetic appeal lies a series of safety hazards and practical issues that make their use in candle-making less than ideal. Here’s an in-depth look into why you should reconsider these trendy yet risky practices.
The Dangers of Using Dough and Coconut Bowls for Candles
Dough Bowls Are Not Designed for Heat:
- Material Concerns: Traditional dough bowls are made from wood, which is not inherently fire-resistant. When exposed to the heat of a burning candle, wood can dry out, crack, or even catch fire.
- Heat Deformation: The prolonged exposure to heat can warp the bowl, altering its shape and potentially creating uneven surfaces that can cause candles to burn unevenly or tip over.
Fire Hazard:
- Flammability: Wood, especially old or untreated wood, can be highly flammable. A small spark from a candle could ignite the bowl, leading to a much larger fire risk.
Risks Associated with Adding Crystals, Herbs, Petals and other additives.
Physical Hazards:
- Toxicity: Some crystals contain metals or compounds that can become harmful when heated. For example, lead in certain types of crystals could release toxins into the air.
- Sharp Edges: Crystals can crack or fragment under heat, potentially sending sharp pieces into the air or into the wax, which could be dangerous if they come into contact with skin or are inhaled.
Combustion Risks:
- Herbs and Petals: Dry plant material burns, and when mixed with wax, this can lead to uncontrolled flames, flare-ups, or even explosions if the herbs are too fine or densely packed.
- Unpredictable Burn: The uneven distribution of materials can cause the candle to burn in an unpredictable manner, potentially leading to the flame being too high or too close to flammable elements.
Health Concerns:
- Allergens: Herbs and petals might release pollen or other allergens into the air when heated, which could be problematic for people with respiratory issues or allergies.
- Residue: The burning of plant materials can leave a residue that not only dirties the environment but can also irritate the skin or lungs upon repeated exposure.
Aesthetic vs. Functionality:
Appearance Over Safety: While these setups can look beautiful, their functionality and safety are compromised, leading to a decor choice that might be more of a liability than an asset.
The allure of creating a unique and visually appealing candle setup with dough bowls, coconut bowls, crystals, herbs, petals and other additives is strong, but the safety and health risks simply outweigh the benefits. For those interested in candle safety, it's advisable to stick to traditional, tested candle containers and avoid adding anything to the wax that could compromise the burn or the environment around it.
By understanding these risks, you can better appreciate the importance of traditional candle-making techniques and materials, ensuring both your home's safety and the sustainability of your decorative practices.
For additional information, please visit this article from the National Candle Association, which includes a video.