Candles are not that dangerous
I read yet another article on how dangerous candles are, this time by Jennifer Farrar in the Sept. 30 Daily Herald. I would like to offer some clarity on this issue on behalf of the many consultants I work with in the candle business - many of whom support a family on the candles.
First and foremost common sense is key - and yes, location of your candle is important. Even more so is the quality of the wax used, which contributes to the heat generated and the quality of the candle. The cooler the burn the better. A quality candle does not leave soot marks, nor emissions in the air and when fragranced naturally, very few, if any, in my 14 years in this business, have experienced adverse effects from those we sell since they are strictly tested for quality.
The growing success of our company has been brought about by many fledgling companies making their own candles being sold in the marketplace and craft circuit. This is where quality control concerns arise. Teaching those the fun of decorating safely with candles is our goal as well as providing a quality product. Might I mention, ours are made in the USA. There are many other low quality products being sold in the marketplace from foreign suppliers. Candles from these sources tend to be the culprits in most candle mishaps. Overheating, sparking and lead in wicks have all been connected to improperly made candles. The phrase my grandfather would always say, "You get what you pay for," rings true.
Not all candles are meant for burning. Many decorative candles, those with leaves, sticks and other ornaments blended within the wax, are designed to look at, not to light. I think sometimes people do not take the time to read the all important sticker that instructs this and run into trouble as well.
The biggest cause of home fires is from cooking - 100,000 per year vs. 17,200 by candles. Considering the millions of candles sold just by our company each year, this number represents less than 1 percent. This reinforces for me that vast number of consultants who join me in helping our customers enjoy all that a quality candle offers and provide insight into burning them in proper containers in proper locations, has paid off for a large majority of users. How about an article on kitchen safety?
Debra O'Neill
Medinah