The Hazards of Burning Candles
People used candles to light up an otherwise dark night or room in the old days. Today, burning candles is either a form of prayer or worship and is often used to promote relaxation. Candles are now primarily used for worship and for relaxation purposes; although there are times that they are used to add light to an area, or add ambiance to a room.
Be Careful with Burning Candles
Whenever we burn candles, there is always an element of risk because fire is an unstable element that we cannot control if it gets too big. In burning candles, the risk is generally small, but it is still there. People should be extra careful when working with or using lighted candles. Proper care should be taken particularly when there are children and animals in the room with a lighted candle.
The major concern when burning candles is to keep them away from anything flammable in the area. Flammable objects are things that can quickly burn or catch fire, like kerosene, gasoline, gas, clothing, papers etc. If you light a candle, it is best not to leave it unattended while it is burning even if there is no one else in the room to touch it or move it. Do not place burning candles near an open window where a draft or breeze might topple it onto something flammable. It is also wise to always have a fire extinguisher in the house for speedy fire protection and dousing. Make sure that all gas valves are properly closed when the stove is not in use.
Another risk when burning candles is the melted hot wax that can burn skin. Pillar candles and other taller candles usually have a small pool of melted wax at the base of the burning wick. Other smaller candles like tea lights may even have liquefied because of the heat. The melted wax is very hot and may burn when it comes in contact with our skin. Exercise caution and care when moving candles because the liquid wax might scald you. Burning candles in containers might sound like a good idea, but they also pose a threat when you hold the container. Some smaller containers grow hot when the candle has been lit inside of them for a long time.
Always make sure to snuff out burning candles in an enclosed area. Paraffin wax emits dangerous toxins which might affect you when inhaled frequently or in enclosed areas. Not only are some of the effects immediate, but paraffin wax also produces carcinogenic elements when it is burned. Always take precautions when burning candles to stay safe. With the proper care, you can enjoy the beauty and aroma of candles anywhere and any time.
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