National Candle Association
1156 - 15th Street, NW,
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
Ph:
(202) 393-2210
Fax: (202) 223-9741
http://www.candles.org
SAFETY ALERT:
CERTAIN PLASTIC TEA-LIGHT CUPS
The National Candle Association has received some reports of potentially
unsafe plastic tea-light cups coming into the U.S. The plastic tea-light
cups of concern are foreign-sourced cups made of polystyrene, a flammable
material that poses a potential fire hazard for candle use.
Please note that polystyrene cups cannot be visually distinguished from
flame-retardant plastics that are appropriate for candle use. This can
only be done through laboratory analysis.
If your company purchases tea-lights in plastic cups, we urge you to
clearly specify to your supplier that they be made of plastics
with suitable fire retardancy for candle use.
If you are unsure of the composition of any tea-light cups you purchase,
or are unsure of the reliability of your supplier, we recommend that you
consider having them tested, or require your supplier to provide
documentation on the composition or flammability characteristics of the
material.
We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you of the various
ASTM standards in effect for ensuring the fire-safety of candles. These standards are considered accepted industry practice, and
should be followed when manufacturing or purchasing candles for sale in
the U.S.
The following national industry standards for candles have been developed,
balloted and published through the ASTM International standards
organization. ASTM standards are regularly reviewed for revision as
necessary. Although the standards are applicable to the United States,
they are often referenced in other nations.
The descriptions below provide a generalized summary of their subject
matter; they do not provide the actual specifications, which are
copyrighted by ASTM International. Copies of the full standards can be
purchased and downloaded at www.astm.org. The cost is approximately $30
each.
ASTM F-2058
Cautionary Labeling Effective Since: 2000
This standard sets forth specifications for the warning label that
cautions consumers to always keep a burning candle within sight; never
place a candle on or near anything that can catch fire; and to keep
candles out of the reach of children and pets. Note: A revised standard is
expected to be published in early 2008.
Reference title: Standard Specification for Cautionary Labeling for
Candles Burned in A Home
ASTM F-2417
Fire-Safety Design of Candles Effective Since: 2004
This standard establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits,
secondary-ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications.
Reference title: Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles
ASTM F-2179
Heat Strength of Glass Containers Effective Since: 2002
This standard establishes scratch test and temper specifications for the
proper annealing of glass containers used for candles, as well as thermal
shock differential requirements.
Reference title: Standard Specification for Annealed Soda-Lime-Silicate
Glass Containers that are Produced for Use as Candle Containers
ASTM F-2601
Fire-Safety of Candle Accessories Effective Since: May, 2007
This standard sets forth specifications for the fire-safety manufacture,
labeling and testing of candle accessories (e.g., candle rings, candle
burners, potpourri burners). It is expected that this standard will be
expanded in 2008 to include candle holders and other accessories.
Reference title: Standard Specification