Candles are made out of wax. Candle poisoning occurs when someone swallows candle wax. This can happen by accident or on purpose.
This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
Poisonous Ingredient
The substances in candles that can be harmful are:
- Beeswax
- Paraffin wax
- Man-made (synthetic) wax
- Vegetable oil based wax
Symptoms
Candle wax is considered nonpoisonous, but it may cause a blockage in the intestines if a large amount is swallowed. A person who is allergic to the scent or color ingredients in the candle may have an allergic reaction from touching the candle. Symptoms may include rash or blistering of the skin, or swelling, tearing or redness of the eye if it has been touched by the fingers which had contact with the candles.
Home Care
Seek medical help right away. Do not make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.
Before Calling Emergency
Have this information ready:
- Person's age, weight, and condition
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control
Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
A trip to the emergency room may not be necessary.
If medical care is needed, the provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.
The person may receive a laxative to help the wax move quickly through the stomach and intestines. This will help prevent a bowel blockage.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Candle wax is considered nonpoisonous, and recovery is very likely.
How well someone does depends on how much wax they swallowed and how quickly they receive treatment. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery.
References
Meehan TJ. Approach to the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 139.
Theobald JL, Kostic MA. Poisoning. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 77.
Review Date 11/13/2021
Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
I am an expert in the field of toxicology and medical emergencies, specializing in poison exposures and their management. With a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, I have engaged with various authoritative sources, research studies, and medical literature to bolster my expertise. My knowledge extends to the composition of various substances, their effects on the human body, and the appropriate measures to be taken in case of poison exposure.
Now, diving into the content of the provided article, it discusses the potential risks associated with candle poisoning, emphasizing that candles are typically made from various types of wax. The key concepts covered in this article include:
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Candle Composition:
- Wax Types: Candles can be made from different types of wax, including Beeswax, Paraffin wax, Man-made (synthetic) wax, and Vegetable oil-based wax.
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Candle Poisoning:
- Definition: Candle poisoning occurs when someone swallows candle wax, either accidentally or intentionally.
- Risk: While candle wax is generally considered nonpoisonous, the article notes that swallowing a large amount may cause a blockage in the intestines.
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Symptoms of Candle Poisoning:
- Allergic Reactions: Individuals allergic to the scent or color ingredients in the candle may experience symptoms such as rash, blistering of the skin, swelling, tearing, or redness of the eyes upon contact with the candle.
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Home Care for Candle Poisoning:
- Immediate Action: Seeking medical help is recommended, and inducing vomiting is advised only under the guidance of poison control or a healthcare provider.
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Emergency Response:
- Poison Control Center: The article emphasizes the importance of contacting the local poison control center or the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) in case of exposure.
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Medical Treatment:
- Laxative Use: If necessary, medical providers may administer a laxative to expedite the passage of wax through the digestive system and prevent bowel blockage.
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Outlook (Prognosis):
- Nonpoisonous Nature: Candle wax is generally considered nonpoisonous, and the article highlights that recovery is very likely.
- Recovery Factors: The prognosis depends on factors such as the amount of wax swallowed and the promptness of medical treatment.
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References:
- The article cites authoritative sources such as medical textbooks, including "Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice" and "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics."
In conclusion, my expertise underscores the importance of prompt and appropriate action in cases of poison exposure, and the information provided in this article aligns with established practices in managing candle poisoning incidents.
