RESOURCES
About Candles
FAQs
Questions About Candle Safety Are scented candles safe? Consumers can be confident that a well-made and properly burned candle, whether scented or unscented, will burn cleanly and safely. Although there…
Facts & Figures
About the Candle Industry U.S. retail sales of candle products are estimated at approximately $3.14 billion annually. (Source: Mintel, 2013). National Candle Association member companies account for approximately 80 percent…
Expert Tips
Few things are as captivating as the soft light and glow of a candle. But there’s an art to burning a candle properly and safely. You can generally tell if…
History
Early Origins Candles have been used as a source of light and to illuminate celebrations for more than 5,000 years, yet little is known about their origin. The earliest use…
Elements of a Candle
Wax Over the centuries, candle waxes have been developed from a variety of fats, oils and waxy-like substances derived from animals, insects, plants and rocks. Learn More Wicks Most consumers…
Fire Safety
Fire Safety & Candles
There’s a special beauty and tranquility to candles, but a lighted candle is also an open flame, and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored. In fact, an estimated…
Understanding the Label
Candles are Labeled for Fire Safety The National Candle Association is committed to the safety of candles and candle users. NCA works aggressively to educate consumers on the importance of…
Industry
Standards
As part of its commitment to product quality, safety, and corporate resonsibility, the National Candle Association has played a leading role in the development of industry standards for candles and candle products...
Science of candles
Candle Science
There’s a lot of chemistry and physics behind the beauty and light of a candle flame. In fact, scientists have been fascinated by candles for hundreds of years. In 1860, Michael Faraday gave his now-famous lecture series on the Chemical History of a Candle, demonstrating dozens of scientific principles through his careful observations of a…
Science Projects
This section provides “how-to” advice for students undertaking science projects involving candles. It also includes brief descriptions of possible project ideas. Although we recognize that science projects involving the burning of candles are often undertaken by elementary school students, the National Candle Association strongly discourages the use of candles by children, and does not recommend…
Research Studies
Research Studies 2022 – NCA’s Report on Botanical Candles 2021 Comprehensive Candle Safety Study 2021 – Measurement and evaluation of gaseous and particulate emissions from burning scented and unscented candles (pdf) 2021 – Candle Study Summary (pdf) Other Studies 2019 – Environmentally Friendly Candles with Reduced Particle Emissions (pdf) 2016 – Comment on “Characterization of hazardous and odorous volatiles…