serious headache from FO

[grneyeldy]

When I was pouring my 1st candles last night I got a headache which, I assume, was from the Hot Apple Pie FO that I used. I finished up and went to bed. When I got up this morning, I went to go check on my candles....which I was quite happy with looks wise but when I picked it up to smell it I was almost instantly naseous . I can't even stand the CT from them and it just happens to be quite strong.

Not sure if it is just that 1 FO in particular or the fact that my kitchen is not ventilated very well. I do not have a fan over my stove and it was -5 outside last night so I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to open the windows while I was pouring But I am afraid I have now ruined Hot Apple Pie for me...literally makes me sick.

[Stella1952]

Pouring candles can get to anyone... wearing a respirator-style mask helps a lot, but many folks don't like having to wear safety equipment. It's important to remember that the chemicals used to create fragrances can aggravate preexisting conditions like migraines, allergies & asthma in very low dosages in many individuals. We're getting a very high, concentrated dose of those while making candles! If you know you are sensitive to odors, please wear protection!

[Candybee]

I just got a respirator mask couple of weeks ago. After all the years of pouring candles it didn't seem to bother me until this year. I get coughing spells when I pour some scents. So I have become very conscientious of the health of my lungs. I don't like wearing a mask but I am sure I would hate having unhealthy lungs a whole lot more.

I am also going to look around for a good air cleaner that I can put in the candle room when I pour.

[asheebeans]

The fragrance Blue Sugar gives me horrendous migraines!! I love the fragrance, but had to stop selling it because I'm not a fan of splitting head pain and puking. There must be something in the Hot Apple Pie that did it to you, if you haven't noticed any issues before. It's always a good rule of thumb to ventilate well, too, when candlemaking. Lord only knows what our lungs look like from this stuff, not having worn a respirator of some sort!

ETA: Just saw that it was your first time pouring.....I would say ventilate, ventilate, ventilate! If that doesn't do any good, you may have to invest in a respirator type mask. Good luck! Those FO headaches can be a bugger!

Edited November 9, 2010 by asheebeans

[EricofAZ]

I had a co-worker two years ago that couldn't handle perfume. I had to come to work au-naturale or she'd walk out. Now I have a co-worker that takes her inhailer when we spray the bathroom.

Recently, a lady came by to pick up some container candles for wholesale and she was pulling the lids off and whatnot. The co-worker had to leave.

Some people are sensitive to this stuff and if so, making candles is probably not the best thing to do.

[AnjieBurdett]

I've got the same problem with certain f/o's. I have asthma and its not irritated at all by me using the oils, but I do get banging headaches from some of the more potent fragrances I use. Its a shame because some of them I really like the smell of. I cringe when people ask for Lavender because I just hate the smell, it makes me want to heave.

Anjie,x.

[grneyeldy]

I have never been sensitive to fragrance before but I do get the occasional migraine (still not sure what the triggers are). So I think I will just play it safe and wear a mask...at least until I have done it for while and can get somewhat used to the strength of the scents.