Candle fragrance warning labels (buyer/recipient's point of view). Etichette di avvertimento delle fragranze per candele (punto di vista del compratore/ricevente).

I have recently joined a FB page in which amateur and professional candle makers can exchange opinions, ask questions and share their creations, and noticed that the topic 'labelling/CLP labels' appears pretty often on the page's wall.

This is a very important matter, especially for professional sellers that MUST be compliant to EU law regulations regarding the labelling of products they sell (that applies to EU, don't know about elsewhere).

Nonetheless, I believe that being 'transparent' on the products we give away as presents is important too. It is not only critical for health reasons (pregnancy, allergies, etc) but also because people should have the right to chose which product they want to use in their houses.

There are at least two people involved in this chain: YOU, the candle maker who'll deal with highly concentrated fragrance oils/essential oils and the RECIPIENT who will use the candle and who will deal with very low percentages of oils.

Let's start by saying that: WAX is considered NON HAZARDOUS!!! Some additive can be (but I personally don't use them). True is that paraffin can emit some toxic substances, that's why I prefer soy wax!!!

Anyway, you might find labels (like the one below or with text only) also on unscented candles only to remind you the basics for not setting your house on fire!!!!

If a candle contains between 0.1% and 1% of any sensitizing fragrance it should be stated "Contains (name of fragrance/s)". 

If is > 1% it should have the exclamation mark, the list of ingredients and the statement: "They may cause an allergic skin reaction" .

Anyway DON'T become paranoid about this symbol on candles because you can find it also on food grade oils (yes the one you put into cakes and biscuits)!

For candle makers: if you want to know more about the meaning of the question mark regarding a specific product you should better learn how to read the Hazard and Precautionary statements of MSDS...

If you see any of the following symbols on candle fragrances/oils you buy, you have to stick to the basic precautions (gloves, goggles, open space etc.) when handling them and probably make yourself some more questions about which one to buy.