MAKING
SENSE OF SCENTED CANDLES*
andles today are available in a seemingly
endless variety of fragrances that remind us of happy events and fond emotions
in our lives: family vacations at the beach, grandma’s homemade cookies,
blooming flowers in the spring, and warm apple cider in autumn. Scented candles
help consumers feel relaxed, refreshed and calm. In fact, consumers consider fragrance an
increasingly important feature when buying candles.
MOOD
FRAGRANCES (AROMATHERAPY) DE-MYSTIFIED
he sense of smell is one of our most
powerful senses. Fragrance experts say some scents can have a deep influence
on us. However, there's a misconception among consumers that
most fragranced candles are mood fragrances or "aromatherapy" candles.
In fact, most fragranced candles available to consumers do not contain essential oils,
and those that do may not have enough concentration in them to produce aromatherapy effects.
Most fragranced candles produce an effect
called 'aroma-chology'. Aroma-chology deals only with the
psychological effects achieved through the use of ambient odors — synthetic or
natural, which stimulate olfactory pathways to the brain. Aromatherapy, on
the other hand, deals with the physiological or therapeutic effects of natural
essential oils only, introduced by means of transdermal absorption resulting
from massage, ingestion or olfaction.
SAFETY
OF U.S.-MADE SCENTED CANDLES
ecades of scientific research, risk
assessment, and a history of safe use in the marketplace support the safety of
fragrances in candles. Additionally, U.S. candle and fragrance manufacturers
work closely together to ensure that scents are used safely and appropriately so
candles can burn properly and cleanly. A variety of health and safety
tests are conducted on raw materials used in fragrances to ensure their safe use in
consumer products, such as candles.
THE
SCIENCE OF SCENTS
cented candles range from traditional
vanilla and bayberry scents to spicy cinnamon, flowery jasmine and even exotic
scents, such as ginger.
The fragrances used in candles generally are
a combination of natural and/or aroma compounded materials, which are safe,
high-quality ingredients.
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ABOUT CANDLE FRAGRANCES
Are candles with
essential oils safer?
There is very little difference between
components derived from a natural source and those developed to match them. All
are equally safe.
Is testing conducted
on the effects of heating fragrances?
Fragrances are stable and do not change in
composition when heated.
What kinds of
testing for health effects have been done with fragrances added to candles?
According to the requirements of U.S. and
European governments, extensive health and safety studies are conducted on
fragrance materials. These include toxicological, pharmacology and skin contact
tests. Because of the extensive testing and close relationship with U.S. candle
and fragrance manufacturers, consumers can feel confident that scented candles
are safe when used as directed.
Do scented candles
emit dangerous amounts of toxic pollutants into the air?
A properly burning candle produces water
vapor and carbon dioxide, the same materials we exhale when we breathe.
Are scented candles
triggers for asthma and allergies?
Millions of Americans who use scented candles have
positive responses to them. The small handful of
consumers who may have a negative response should avoid burning candles with
that particular scent and be sure to use candles in a well-ventilated area.
*Information provided by the National Candle
Association
