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My Reward PointsEssential oils are concentrated plant extracts with unique chemical compositions that influence their odor, absorption, and effects on the body.
They are well-liked in holistic wellness, aromatherapy, and cosmetics for boosting the immune system, reducing stress, and improving general well-being.
However, their increasing popularity raises questions like "Are essential oils flammable?" which is crucial for homeowners, spa owners, and DIY formulators to ensure safety, understand the fire risk, and perform appropriate handling.
Are Essential Oils Flammable?
Can essential oils catch fire? The term flammable in the context of essential oils refers to their ability to catch fire when exposed to a flame.
Different volatile organic compounds make up essential oils, and the way these compounds combine can affect flammability. Consequently, the majority of essential oils are combustible.
Flash Points For Common Essential Oils
The flashpoint is the temperature at which a fragrance or essential oil will burn when exposed to an open flame or spark.
Most essential oils have a flashpoint ranging from 37 to 93°C. Understanding the flashpoint is crucial for safety during handling, storage, and use, especially when combining essential oils into candles or soaps.
It prevents fires and ensures the fragrance is used successfully while maintaining its intended aroma. The following is a table or bullet list of common essential oils and their estimated flash points:
- Lavender Oil: ~70°C
- Tea Tree Oil: ~56°C
- Eucalyptus Oil: ~49°C
- Lemon Oil: ~48°C
Essential oils with low flashpoints are more volatile and flammable, with clove, cinnamon bark, thyme, pine, lemongrass, and citrus oils being particularly flammable and should be handled with caution.
Are All Essential Oils Equally Flammable?
Flammability in essential oils is determined by their chemical composition, specifically their flash point.
Their lower flash points make some essential oils more flammable than others, indicating a variation in their flammability.
Which Essential Oils Are Flammable?
Highly Flammable Essential Oils:
Less Flammable Essential Oils:
Table of Essential Oils With Estimated Flash Points
| Essential Oil | Flash Point (°C) |
|---|---|
| Rosemary | 43 |
| Patchouli | 114 |
| Fennel, Sweet | 62.7 |
| Fir Needle | 37.7 |
| Petitgrain | 66 |
| Amyris | >100 |
| Citronella | >73 |
| Bay | 57.2 - 93.3 |
| Clove | 93.3 |
| Lavender | 60 |
| Lemongrass | 79 |
| Rose Geranium | 64 |
| Ylang Ylang | 93.3 |
| Cypress | 44 |
| Tea Tree | 56 |
| Cinnamon (Leaf) | >100 |
| Clary Sage | >75 |
| Chamomile (Roman) | >50 |
| Palmarosa | 93 |
| Fir Balsam | >93.3 |
| Eucalyptus Lemon | 47.7 |
| Peppermint Piperita | >60 |
| Orange Sweet | 46 |
| Sandalwood | 166 |
| Myrrh | >100 |
| Vetiver | >93 |
Factors That Influence Essential Oils' Flammability
1. Weight
Essential oils' flammability is influenced by the size and structure of their volatile chemical molecules, primarily terpenes, which have varying molecular weights and structures, which in turn affect their volatility and flammability.
2. Evaporation rate
The evaporation rate of essential oils affects their flammability, as higher rates increase the risk of igniting and fire when combined with a heat source.
3. Distillation method
The distillation procedure can significantly influence the flammability of essential oils by altering their composition and purity, resulting in oils with varying levels of volatile chemicals, some of which are more combustible.
Common Fire Risks Involving Essential Oils
- Are essential oils flammable in candles? When used near candles or incense, these oils can pose a fire hazard if not handled correctly due to their flammability.
- Essential oils, due to their high concentration of volatile compounds, can ignite and even start a fire when heated with an open flame or added in diffusers with exposed flames, like oil burners.
- Essential oils are combustible and can ignite in high temperatures or open flames, making improper storage in hot regions or direct sunlight a risk. Improper can also decrease the oil's quality and effectiveness.
- Essential oils, when used in smoking or cooking, can ignite and cause fires due to their flammability and exposure to high temperatures or open flames.
Safe Storage Tips for Essential Oils
Having the proper storage can help reduce the risk of a fire. When you are storing essential oils, paying attention to the following is important:
- Keep essential oils away from direct sunshine, heat, and open fires.
- Store essential oils in glass bottles in cold, dark places (preferably at temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius).
- Make sure that essential oils are clearly labeled as combustible oils.
- Ensure that essential oils are out of reach of kids and pets.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely at Home
Consider the following points on how to use essential oils safely:
- Ensure that the essential oils are always diluted with carrier oils or emulsions that are based on water.
- Always avoid applying essential oils near a flame or stove.
- For essential oils, use electric diffusers rather than ones that rely on tea lights.
- It is best to avoid adding essential oils that have not been diluted to wax warmers or candles.
- Always make sure that essential oil bottles are closed and kept away from heat.
- When working with volatile essential oils in large quantities, you should avoid smoking and cooking.
What to Do If Essential Oil Catches Fire?
- Stay away from water, especially while dealing with oil fires.
- Use a Class B fire extinguisher, or apply baking soda to put out the fire.
- If the fire gets out of control, call the emergency services.
- Safely treat minor burns following first aid advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We hope you know everything about essential oils and their safety practices by reading this blog. Furthermore, consider the following FAQs about these oils:
Q 1: Can essential oils be used in candles safely?
Ans: Are all essential oils safe in candles? Essential oils are safe in candles if used correctly, especially those that smell pleasing when lit. They may be suitable for wax melts and other applications.
Q 2: Are diffusers with essential oils a fire hazard?
Ans: Essential oil diffusers and burners are generally safe, but heat-powered ones can cause fires due to their combustibility. Therefore, caution is crucial when handling and diffusing essential oils.
Q 3: Which essential oils are safest to use?
Ans: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, tea tree, and citrus are safe when diluted and used cautiously. But it's important to learn about oils, identify possible interactions, and adhere to usage recommendations.
Q 4:Can essential oils explode in heat?
Ans: Essential oils should be handled carefully because they are flammable and can burn or ignite when exposed to high temperatures, especially those with low essential oil flash points.
Q 5: What is the safest way to dispose of old oils?
Ans: Steer clear of oil littering, as it can harm the environment and be against the law. If found polluting, you may face prosecution. Instead, dispose of old oil legally at an oil bank.
Conclusion
Essential oils are flammable plant extracts with volatile compounds, determined by factors like molecular weight, evaporation rate, and distillation processes.
To ensure essential oil safety, store them in cool, dark places and use appropriate dilution and equipment. Refrain from extinguishing fires with water.
We may conclude that essential oils are flammable yet can be safely handled. Finally, we encourage readers to share their questions or experiences in the comments section.
