ALBANY, N.Y. -- Once used to only light the way, candles have flickered their way onto many a dining table and almost every room and decorating scheme.
We're not talking just one candle per room, but clusters of them in various shapes. Many of these luxurious wax confections also bear a scent, from the ever-popular vanilla to evergreen, spice, fruit and fresh botanicals.Candles are used in seven out of 10 U.S. households, according to the National Candle Association. They come in all sizes and shapes, from tapers, straight-sided dinner candles, spirals and columns to votives, wax-filled containers and novelties.
Candle retail sales in the United States for 1999 are projected at $2.3 billion, not including accessories.
The colors and scents of candles can evoke memories of special places and events. But not all candles are created equal.
Inexpensive candles can often smoke, are less fragrant and have a shorter burn time than quality candles. With some candles, the fragrance is evident even if the candle isn't burning. The best way to smell a fragrant candle is from the bottom, as the wax tends to oxidize at the top.
According to the National Candle Association, based in Washington, D.C., consumers are increasingly choosing candles for their fragrance.
Although scented candles are soothing, they shouldn't be confused with aromatherapy. Most of what is being referred to as aromatherapy -- whether for candles or bath products -- is actually aroma-chology, said Marianne McDermott, executive vice president of the National Candle Association.
"Aroma-chology deals only with the psychological effects achieved through the use of ambient odors, synthetic or natural," such as scented candles, McDermott said.
"Aromatherapy, on the other hand, deals with the physiological or therapeutic effects of natural essential oils only." These oils are absorbed by massage, eating or breathing.
"There's a misconception among consumers that most fragranced candles are aromatherapy candles," McDermott said. "The truth is that most fragranced candles available to consumers do not contain essential oils, and those that do may not have enough to produce the specific treatment of the various mental and physical disorders they purport to help."
Men and women react to smells differently. Some scents may even cause irritation or breathing difficulty. However, "there's no known connection between fragrant candles and allergies," said Dr. James M. DeMasi, a specialist in pediatric and adult allergies in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
"If someone should experience a symptom, it's just a reflection of personal sensitivity. It would be like people having a reaction to perfume inserts in magazines."
Eileen Hedrick, vice president of Regulatory Affairs and Fragrance Safety for the fragrance manufacturer Belmay Inc. in Yonkers, said some people will have some sort of allergic reaction to fragrances.
"The fragrance mainly comes off of the hot wax pool," said Hedrick, a former board member for the National Candle Association. "The level of smell depends on the amount of fragrance added to the candle."
Even though they smell good, fragrant candles should be used with the same care as all candles. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, candle fires account for 2.4 percent of all fires and result in 6 percent of total injuries from fires and 3 percent of all fatalities from fires.
According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, nearly 85 percent of the candle fires were started because of consumer misuse of the product.
To help educate consumers about proper candle use, many U.S. candle manufacturers include directions and warning labels.
Always put candles on or in a fireproof surface or holder. The dyes in some pillar candles can transfer to fabric or furniture they may touch, even if they are not burning.
The National Candle Association offers a variety of tips that will help you get the best performance and enjoyment from candles:
Don't burn candles for more than four hours at a time.
Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders or decorations.
Stop using container candles when one-half inch of wax remains.
Always use containers that have been made for candle use.
Never leave candles unattended.
Avoid burning candles near combustible materials.
Keep matches, wick trimmings and foreign objects out of the candle wax.
Don't place candles near vents or drafts, to prevent rapid and uneven burning and excessive dripping.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.