On March 1, we will observe World Candle Day, A joint initiative by two associations, ALAFAVE; (The Latin American Candle Manufacturer Association) and ECMA; (The European Candle Manufacturers Association), which started celebrating world candle day in 2020.

The primary purpose of candle day is to make people aware of the tragedy due to candle fires and how it is essential to read the labels of the candles before lighting them.

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What is the primary purpose of Candle Day?

The primary purpose of Candle Day is to make people aware of the tragedy due to candle fires and emphasize the importance of reading the labels of candles before lighting them. This awareness is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure safe usage.

Why did the National Candle Association (NCA) and ASTM hold a webinar in 2021?

The National Candle Association (NCA) and ASTM held a webinar in 2021 to explain the safety labelling of candles and highlight the importance of following the manufacturer's instructions regarding lighting candles. The webinar aimed to educate the public about safe candle usage practices.

How did candle fires become a severe problem in the early 1990s?

The webinar started with introductions by both the presidents of the organizations, who explained how candle fires began increasing rapidly in the early 1990s. At that time, scented or fragrance candles gained popularity among customers in America, leading to a significant fire safety issue in the US.

What actions did the US Consumer Product Safety Commission take in response to the candle fire issue?

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, a government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of home products, approached the NCA (American National Candle Association) to help produce safer candles. This collaboration aimed to address the growing problem of candle fires.

Why did the NCA decide to work with ASTM on candle safety?

The NCA thought it wise to collaborate with ASTM, an independent body that produces safety standards for various products like construction materials and safety toys, to solve the fire issue. This partnership led to the incorporation of specific safety standards for candles in the USA.

Why is it essential to read the labels of candles before lighting them?

It is imperative to read the labels of candles because the method of lighting each candle can differ. According to Rob Harrington, knowing how long a candle should burn, where and where not to burn it, and the difference between indoor and outdoor candles are crucial. Additionally, certain accessories are necessary for safely lighting and extinguishing candles.

How did the introduction of candle fire safety standards impact home candle fires?

When the candle fire safety standards were passed in 2000-2001, the number of candle fires at home dramatically decreased. This significant reduction confirmed the effectiveness of the safety measures implemented.

What are the common misconceptions people have about using candles, according to Stefan Thomann?

According to Stefan Thomann, many people think that using candles is simple and that they already know how to use them, so they do not read the label. Even if they do read the label, they often look for information like the scent rather than the user instructions.

What did a survey reveal about people's interest in reading candle labels?

A survey showed that most people (62%) look for the scent on a candle label, while only 6% of people were interested in reading the user instructions. This statistic highlights the need for increased awareness about the importance of following the safety guidelines provided on candle labels.

What are the key differences between American and European standards for candle safety warnings?

ASTM requires safety alert symbols and the three most essential warnings written in English, while the use of symbols for these warnings is optional in America.

How does Europe approach candle safety warnings differently than America?

In Europe, it was allowed that there should be a general warning sign with 3-4 mandatory safety messages for unscented candles and 5-6 for scented ones, with additional optional safety messages used as needed based on the candle type. Moreover, the safety information must be in the official languages of the countries of sale rather than English.

Why are safety symbols more prevalent in Europe compared to text warnings?

Safety symbols are more in use than text because pictures are more appealing to the younger generation, and for older people, it might be challenging to read the text as it is small.

What challenges arise from using symbols for candle safety, and how were they addressed?

To use symbols, these symbols should be easy to understand by an occasional user, which became a huge challenge. The solution that emerged was to create a simple and straightforward design. A comprehension test with 1400 consumers in three different countries was conducted, and feedback was used to improve some symbols and completely redefine others. Then, all stakeholders should use the same marks, and manufacturers, retailers, and associations should explain what the symbols mean.

How did Rob Harrington and Stefan Thomann contribute to candle safety awareness?

There were certain symbols thoroughly explained by both Rob Harrington and Stefan Thomann in the webinar, which is very important if you love candles and frequently light them in your homes. These tips and tricks ensure you are cautious with fire safety and know what to do if an accident happens.

How can one learn more about candle safety and participate in World Candle Day?

You can watch the whole webinar on worldcandleday.net to understand and share the importance of reading labels with your family and friends. So, this year on March 1, let’s celebrate World Candle Day and spread awareness to avoid any mishaps or accidents that can occur by lighting candles.

Where can one find quality candle accessories, and what should be kept in mind while using candles?

If you are looking for products like scented and unscented candle, holders, candle snuffers, and more, visit our website and explore our range of products. We promise to provide the best quality with ease of shopping and various options. So, keep lighting candles but make sure to consider fire safety.