Is It Safe to Burn a Candle in a Closed Room? Reasons and Explanation

Candles are the epitome of a warm, comforting home. Especially in the winter months or during a chilly rainy day. And if it is scented, it’s more like a luxury. 

As much as we like the subtle warmth of a candle in our room, there are some downsides to it too. And sometimes you might also ask yourself on a stormy night is it safe to burn a candle in a closed room? 

Well, it is not safe at all to burn a candle in a closed room. It ranges from carbon inhaling and breathing problems to a fire hazard. Let us discuss more to give you a clear picture. Also why it is suggested you shouldn’t light a candle for more than 4 hours is included. 

Is It Safe to Burn a Candle in a Closed Room

Why You Shouldn’t Burn Candle in a Closed Room? 

Although it’s romantic, comforting, and relaxing to have a lit candle in your room, you shouldn’t keep it burning for a prolonged period. Apart from different safety issues, there are also health issues involved. We have gathered all of them here with explanations. 

1. Candles Emit Hydrocarbon in the Room

Candles are great for lighting your room, giving you warmth, and setting the atmosphere. But leaving them lit will cause carbon emissions. And you will be inhaling hydrocarbon for a good amount of time. Which our body isn’t made to process. Making it a health risk. 

2. Can Turn Into a Fire Hazard

A more obvious reason for not leaving your candle burning for too long, especially unattended, is a fire might break out. While the candle burns, the wick becomes longer and sometimes flames fly off to curtains or even on carpets. A bug can also fly over the candle and spread fire from its wings throughout the room. So it is advised you don’t leave a burning candle in a closed room. 

3. Candle Flashover Is Waiting to Happen

As the candle burns, the wax keeps on melting. And the wick getting longer and longer will break and fall on the candle. This creates a flashover. Where the broken wax lights up and starts a fire. And more fire means more carbon pollution. A closed room will also fuel the fire to make it combustible. If not, the flashover will cause a fire of its own the further it travels. 

4. Scented Candles Create Smoke

While scented candles are an amazing option for calming your nerves and bringing in a more inviting atmosphere, burning them in a closed room can cause breathing issues. This is due to the essential oils present in the candles. The oils create smoke that in time builds up in a closed room. Which will cause coughing, and irritating sensations in the eye and skin. 

5. 4-Hour Rule Because if the Wick

As mentioned earlier about the wick causing a flashover, professional safety experts suggest you don’t burn a candle for over 4 hours. This is because of not only the flashover, but the wick falling on something and causing a fire, and also cutting down the oxygen. Which is why it is always suggested you light a candle in a well-ventilated room. 

Candle Safety Tip:

  • Never let a candle burn while you sleep. 
  • Use a candle snuffer rather than blow it out. 
  • A body-attached snuffer helps the candle turn off after a certain time. 
  • It is a health risk to burn candles in a closed room. Especially scented ones. 
  • Never leave a candle unattended. Always turn it off before leaving the room. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQS)

Is it safe to light a candle in my bedroom?

Yes. But make sure your bedroom is well-ventilated. Also, blow it out before sleeping and never leave the candle unattended. 

Should I open a window when burning a candle?

It is advised you do not let any direct air circulation in front or in the area of your candle. This will cause a fire hazard or the wick to blow out. But you can leave your door open instead of the window. 

Do candles burn up oxygen in a room?

Yes. A lit candle needs oxygen to burn like any other flame. Hence you should have some form of ventilation so your room does not lack of oxygen or you breathe in hydrocarbons

Conclusion

Now you can imagine what you have been doing wrong. Candles have been a source of light for a very long time. No matter which era it was used, people always blew it out and always lit it in a well-ventilated space. We today use it to make things more rustic, do yoga in a closed room with the air conditioner on, or even to keep us warm in a closed room, which is most of the time a bad practice. So if you love yourself and your health, which you obviously do, stop doing it today. 

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