Candles have an air of fascination about them, which is why they are still popular centuries after the invention of the light bulb. Although, the need for candles has evolved over millennia into much more than the capabilities of candles – i.e. electricity, in terms of illumination – they are still relevant today; particularly in the area of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy makes use of the fragrance from scented candles to sooth the nerves, relieve stress and help people sleep. The effects of candle burning are so important that some people cannot bear to do without them. But just how many candles is too many?
THE FINER DETAILS OF CANDLE BURNING
When it comes to candle burning, there are a lot of details that many people are not aware of. These details have to do with many areas of candle making and candle burning, and when you start delving into that world, you might be surprised at what you’ll find. The question of how many candles is too much is something that many people don’t ask until they start getting interested in candles, because the answer can vary, depending on what the candles are to be used for.
It has been ages since candles were one of the few means of indoor illumination but they are still used for this purpose in several places around the world. When it comes to burning candles for lighting purposes, the answer would depend on the brightness of the candle and the degree of illumination needed at that time. Thus, you should burn as many candles as you require. The same logic seems to hold with scented candles when they are used in aromatherapy; burn as many scented candles as you need in order to release as much – or as little – fragrance as you require. However, there are some problems with this logic which tend to become apparent when you consider the fact that burning candles emit soot as well as vapors which can settle and accumulate onto surface in a room; albeit in small quantities. These gases are not particularly good for people with asthma and other respiratory diseases, as they can trigger symptoms and even attacks. The fragrance from scented candles can also make people nauseous when it is too concentrated. This is why ventilation is very important when burning large amounts of candles. Also, burning several candles at a time can constitute a fire hazard.
HOW MANY CANDLES SHOULD YOU BURN IN A ROOM
Many people seem to agree that when it comes to unscented candles, you can burn as many as you want provided you keep close watch over them to reduce the chances of a fire outbreak. The only immediate downsides to burning many unscented candles at once would be the cost, the amount of wax that would be collected on several candles if the candle doesn’t burn well and the effects of the accumulated vapors and soot on the health of someone with respiratory diseases. Asides from all these – rather, once you’ve gotten all these things under control – burning many candles can be romantic. Besides illumination and warmth, another reason why unscented candles are usually lit is to create a tranquil and soothing ambience, particularly during candlelight meals. Unscented candles are preferred for this use – i.e. candlelight meals – because they do not give off fragrances which may interfere with your perception of taste and flavor, as you eat your food.
On the other hand, unscented candles are usually lit for their soothing fragrance which contributes a huge role to aromatherapy. People use scented candles to relieve stress, aid their sleep, and even cleanse their auras. Another thing scented candles are commonly used for is setting the mood for the creation of romantic ambience. And as with unscented candles, you can light as many as you would like. However, many people recommend burning no more than two scented candles in proximity to each other. This is because scented candles emit a strong fragrance which becomes more concentrated when many of them are burning at the same time. Although soothing is small amounts, the fragrance from scented candles can be nauseating when it is too strong.
HOW TO REDUCE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF BURNING TOO MANY CANDLES
Burning too many candles can pose many risks and the most notable among them are linked to respiratory diseases and fire outbreak. There are steps that can be taken to prevent the negative effects of burning too many candles and they include:
- Proper ventilation
It is important to employ proper ventilation when burning many candles. This is done so that the vapors and soot emitted from burning candles can be let out of a room. Burning many candles indoors – in a closed room without proper ventilation – can lead to the accumulation of this soot and dangerous gases which can cause respiratory diseases or worsen symptoms of illnesses such as asthma. Also, since fire requires oxygen to burn much as we require it to breathe, the oxygen supply in enclosed spaces will be depleted at a faster rate if windows are not left open for proper ventilation.
- Careful supervision
Flames from burning candles can constitute a fire hazard when the candles don’t burn well or they are tipped over by action of strong wind or through other means. Sometimes, the flames simply burn too high and catch onto curtains, thus beginning a fire outbreak. To prevent this, careful supervision is required. This is particularly important when many candles are being lit at the same time. Paying close attention may also be more difficult in this case. However, it is necessary in order to prevent disastrous accidents.
- Other precautions
Candles must burn well and the melted wax must collect well in their holders. Their wicks must be trimmed to ensure that they burn cleanly and brightly so that soot will not be accumulated inside the holders and the candles will burn for as long as they possibly can. Accumulated soot can also result in an increased risk of fire. All these precautions are necessary to reduce the negative effects of burning many candles at once.
