Gel Candle Articles: "Exploding the Gel Candle Myth"

Penreco's Response

"Can you tell me more about the gel candles that explode?"

"Do you have any information regarding Gel candles exploding?"

We addressed this topic in July 2001... but the Internet seems to continue to circulate this misinformation. As such... we are posting the July 2001 reply here again:

Penreco Responds: Exploding Gel Scare

While the forums were posting messages about the stories of exploding gel... We were receiving emails asking about this hot topic:

Email:"I have made and sold many gel candles. Because of the e-mail that is circulating a lot of people are scared to purchase the candles. Could you please let me know is there truth to the e-mail or is it a hoax."

Email:"I am concerned about Email sent to me about the gel candles burning a house down because of an explosion from the gases it creates. Help!"

Email:"Have received info that on occasion jell candles have exploded and caused injury and fires. This is very disturbing info. Can this be true? Please respond. Thanks"

Email: "I wanted to share an email with you I received the other day. Your remarks/ comments will be greatly appreciated. This email seems to be going all around."

We decided to take this issue right to Penreco

Our thanks to Ed Potter of Penreco for his response (as follows):

"I have seen the recent exploding gel candle story that is making the rounds on the Internet. Penreco has spent a lot of time and money researching the origins of a gel candle fire. This is quite simply why we have released all the information that we have to the market place regarding the results of our work and recommendations for producing a safe candle.

"Most gellers know the criteria that we have released for fragrance selection; minimum 170F flash point and non-polar in nature. We also provide the maximum fragrance loads recommended for our gels.

"Candle flares might occur when the improper fragrance is selected, the concentration is too high or the fragrance oil is not well mixed. Low flash point or polar fragrances can reduce the flash point of the total candle system to a point that could coincide with the higher melt pool temperatures of gel candles.

"When the fragrance oil is not well mixed pockets of lower flash point fragrance can develop in a burning candle, when the flame hits this pocket the flame will spread across the melt pool. If enough heat is generated from the flames it has the potential to explode the glass.

"The examples we have seen of this occurred at the bottom of the candle because the sides of the candles allow for the heat to build up.

"The recent story mentions a gas building up and exploding, this is untrue. No gases are emitted from burning a candle gel made with Penreco gel.

"Gel candles are not wax candles. They do burn at higher temperatures than wax candles and the candle maker should take the extra precaution to find out as much as possible about all of the safety factors involved with making a safe gel candle. Once they have an idea in mind they should produce several prototypes to test before offering it for sale to anyone.

"Penreco is committed to supplying the safest product possible and we continue to research this technology to provide additional safety data as it develops.

"One additional thought before you add these comments to your newsletter. It should be understood and I would want to emphasize that all of the safety work we conducted was with Penreco candle gels, based on the oils Penreco uses and at the polymer ratios that Penreco produces to.

"I would never state that our safety data automatically transfers to any home made gel or some of the gels that are offered on various Internet sites. Unfortunately some sites that I know are not selling our gel are promoting and using the safety factors we developed to market their gels.

"Please give me a call if you need anything else. Thanks, Ed (Potter) "

More about Penreco here...

This information is provided with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional advice. Laws and practices often vary from state to state and if legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a professional should be sought. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any liability that is incurred from the use or application of the contents of this publication / website.

Gel candles may resemble a beverage or food product. All pictures and references are "non-edible" items made of nonfood (wax, glass, etc.) components. Be certain that you understand the steps and precautions in making any gel candle design and in using the gel candles. Failure to follow instructions could result in fire, injury or smoke damage. If you have any questions contact your Supplier.

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