If things haven't got complicated enough for
persons concerned with protecting their homestead, it appears
that the soft, soothing glow of a candle's flame may disguise
some problems. Specifically, the use of candles may result in:
Further, their use may also contribute to health problems from
inhaling particulate matter or ingesting harmful chemicals.
Actually, there are a number of problems and
they have been accentuated by a change in the market for candles.
The last few years have seen an explosive growth in the popularity
of candles. They are increasingly used for their traditional,
decorative purpose and they are now marketed as scented candles
for deodorizing and for a health-related purpose called aromatherapy.
Of course, to boost sales, candle-makers find that they have to
offer products with an intense scent. This is accomplished by
adding scented oils into their wax mixture. This often causes
the candle to burn improperly and increase the production of soot.
It looks like soot, which is a carbon residue produced by burning, can create a large, expensive problem. Since soot is particulate matter that can be carried through the air, it can seriously stain walls, carpets, and personal property. Studies show that electronic and plastic components are also vulnerable to soot damage. Unfortunately, soot produced by improperly burning candles bonds very strongly, making it difficult to impossible to clean. Further, soot may contaminate a home's heating system, including ductwork. The soot can then be spread throughout a home, creating widespread damage that is difficult to repair. Property stained by soot may have to be cleaned by professionals and, often, the property has to be replaced.
You may have assumed that the only materials
found in candles were the wick and some type of wax. Surprise!
Here's a list of ingredients which may either be found in a candle
or may be created during combustion:
Acetone Benzene Trichlorofluoromethane
Carbon disulfide 2 Butanone 1 1- Trichloroethane
Trichloroethene Carbon tetrachloride Tetrachloroethene
Toluene Chlorobenzene Ethylbenzene
Styrene Xylene Phenol
Cresol Cyclopentene Lead
Another surprise is that the candle-making industry is not required
to tell consumers about the ingredients used in their products,
including when a wick is used which contains a lead core.
Besides the use of oils and chemicals, candle-makers
sometimes create problems because they make other mistakes. Candles
may also burn improperly (causing soot) because a candle's wick
may be off-center or there may not be a proper amount of air in
the candle mixture. A candle may have a higher likelihood of causing
a fire loss due to:
Damage to a home or personal property due to
soot can create serious problems for both an insurer and a homeowner.
Losses involving soot can create thousands of dollars in damages.
Depending upon the details surrounding a loss and the wording
of the particular homeowner policy, coverage for the damage may
not be available. Why? Because the source of loss might be considered
the result of pollution, which may be excluded. Another reason
for rejecting a claim may be an assumption that the damage was
gradual instead of sudden, so it wouldn't be considered accidental
and sudden damage. A claim could even be affected by the knowledge
of the insured. For instance, even if the policy covers soot-related
losses, a claim could be denied if a homeowner knew that the type
of candle they used could cause damages.
Since the damage is caused by matter that is invisible to the
naked eye, it could be difficult to prove that the loss was sudden.
Tests can be used to determine the cause of stained or discolored
property, but the testing can be expensive and the cost may have
to handled by the homeowner.
It's all up to you. You might wish to ask more questions about the type of candles you use or curtail your use. You can also discuss whether coverage is available under your homeowner policy with an insurance professional. If you do use candles frequently, you may also want to check your home thoroughly for any stains or discoloration, including any contamination of your heating system. Candle, candle, burning bright? Not if you cause a claim tonight.
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