The risk of poisoning from cup candles

Many types of candles using lead wicks, users who inhale much will be lead poisoning, causing bleeding of teeth, gingivitis and digestive disorders.

There are many types of glass candles on the market (soft candles such as jelly, in small cups) with attractive shapes and designs. Many consumers choose this type of candle because it is convenient to use, no need to use the base, not afraid to flow out, not to worry . But in fact, cup candles have potential risks to health.

Master Nguyen Hong Nhung, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said soft glass candles such as jelly have 70-98% paraffin oil (also known as white oil, chemical nature is full of hydrocarbons); 2-30% of synthetic rubber, the most commonly used is SEBS (styren-ethylene butadiene styrene ); wick; there may be some other additives such as flavoring, coloring .

SEBS is a kind of thermoplastic polymer with high elasticity, elongation when breaking can be up to 700%. SEBS is compatible with paraffin oil so they dissolve very well. This thermoplastic rubber makes candles have a soft gel form rather than a solid form like a traditional tree candle.

In SEBS molecule, there are only hydrogen and carbon atoms, so when it burns, CO2 and H ₂ 0 will be generated. However, just like paraffin oil, when SEBS is not completely burnt, carbon monoxide can be produced (CO ) and soot, this soot not only blackens walls and ceilings but also affects the respiratory system if inhaled.

Candles are very eye-catching, handy but potentially dangerous to health.(Photo: quatangart.com)

Master Nhung said that for wicks for candles, there are many types of wick cores such as magnesium, lead, incense sticks, cotton, PE, wire, copper . but the lead core wick is manufactured with the cheapest and fastest price. The metal core is inserted into the wick to keep the wick standing, the fire burns evenly, not turning off. Currently in Vietnam, many candles use special lead wicks, jelly candles.

When candles burn, lead will spread into the air in the form of soot. People who inhale heavily will get lead poisoning. Lead is a heavy metal that is very toxic to humans, long-term lead contamination leads to accumulation of toxins in the human body, causing bleeding of the roots, black roots, gingivitis, affecting the intestinal tract, causing intestinal inflammation and confusion. Gastrointestinal disorders.

Candles produced from paraffin oil may be considered safe, but in some cases (sensitive people, pregnant women, children .), paraffin smoke when burned can also irritate the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, vomiting.

Master Nhung recommends that, if possible, it is best to use natural oil candles such as beeswax, which are both safe and healthy and have a pleasant fragrance.

Do not light candles in closed rooms or in places with a lot of flammable appliances such as curtains, carpets, blankets . that are both fire-prone and an environment for toxic substances in candle smoke to be saved. Long term.

Carefully check the wick when buying candles.It is best to buy candles with cotton wicks (non-cores) or paper core wicks. If the wick has a metal core, it must be considered whether it is lead or not. The test is quite simple: To scratch the core thread into the paper, if you see gray lines like pencil colors, you should not buy.

Do not leave the candle too long, just leave the wick <0.6cm. The longer the wick, the bigger the fire, the more toxic the soot.