Shutters Blinds etc.               

BLACK SOOT DEPOSITION...                                                                    (back)

Also referred to as "dirty house syndrome," has become an increasing complaint of  homeowners and apartment residents throughout the country. Since 1992, the occurrence rate of complaints received at the Florida Department of Health rose from two-a-year to, at times, two-a-week.

Where Does The Soot Come From?

Through interviews with over 50 homeowners who have experienced Black Soot Deposition (BSD), it has become evident that a common source of soot is candles. Results from a recent experiment using a controlled chamber have revealed that certain candles, with predictable regularity, can produce up to 100 times more soot than low-soot-producing candles. In effect, burning one candle can be equivalent to burning 100 candles at once. It was also demonstrated that a candle placed in an air draft can increase its soot production by a factor of 50. The assumption by most consumers, that candles could not produce enough soot to cause the damage seen in their home, is unfounded. In fact, soot production from certain candles can be significant and may cause indoor levels of airborne soot to exceed concentrations allowed in outside air by the Environmental Protection Agency of the Federal Government.

Why Does Soot Deposit?

Such factors as low ventilation rates of the homes and the use of  ionizing electronic air cleaners may increase the rate at which soot deposits onto surfaces. Particles can penetrate almost all home air conditioning filters and can severely reduce an electronic air cleaner's ability to remove them from the air. This contributes to soiling of wall surfaces over studs and air conditioning supply vents. These particles are also attracted to electrically charged surfaces such as some injection-molded plastic items including medicine cabinets, internal surfaces of freezers, plastic vertical blinds and computers.

What are the Possible Health Concerns?

While the soot is suspended in the air, occupants are at risk of inhalation exposure. Since the particles are less than 1 micron (m m) in diameter, they potentially can penetrate the deepest areas of the lung. The greatest exposure to soot produced by candles is expected during candle burning, so increasing ventilation by opening windows would reduce occupant exposure. Microscopic soot particles have been recognized by the US EPA and the State of California as responsible for aggravation of respiratory illnesses in the general population.

What Should Be Done to Remedy the Soot Deposition?

First, cease candle burning and periodically ventilate the home by opening windows. Consult a cleaning service experienced in fire restoration for cleaning surfaces. Candles with the following characteristics have the potential to produce excessive soot:

* Candles poured into glass jars or ceramic containers.

* Soft wax, containing unsaturated hydrocarbons.

* Aromatic (scented) wax, containing volatile aromatic hydrocarbons.

* Thick wick, or one with a wire core that keeps the wick upright.

* Soot deposits on the mouth of the jar.

* High, erratic flame when burned. Visible soot emitted from an erratic flame.

* Located in an air draft created by a fan or air conditioning vent.

* Pillar candle with signs of uneven burning or thick, erect wicks.

* Multiple wick candles with thick, erect wicks.

Is It Possible to Burn Candles Indoors Without Causing Soot Damage?

Candle soot has been a problem since Colonial America. All candles that emit a yellow flame produce some soot. Consider using candles with the following characteristics:

* Hard wax, containing mostly saturated hydrocarbons.

* Thin, braided wick that curls over when burned.

* Low aromatic properties.

* Tapered and votive candles with thin wicks.

* Low, even flame when burned. Wick that burns down evenly with candle material.

And take these precautions when using candles:

* Trim wick to 1/4" each time before lighting.

* Extinguish candle after one hour of continuous burning and allow to cool before relighting.

* Keep candles out of drafts.

* Discontinue use of candles that leave a visible soot ring on their container.

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