CITRONELLA CANDLE Info

1st Step is to understand the basics of  Citronella Oil

Issued: 11/99

I. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT

Oil of Citronella is a volatile, liquid oil derived from dried cultivated grasses. It works by repelling animals and insects without harming or killing them. It has a distinctive odor, which repels certain animals.

II. USE SITES, TARGET PESTS, AND APPLICATION METHODS

Use Sites: Oil of Citronella is used on humans and their clothing to repel insects. In tablet or pellet form it is also used in recreational areas, outdoor household areas, and around trees and shrubs. Animal collars and tags containing citronella are used on pets and other domestic animals to repel fleas and ticks.

Target pests: Repels various specific insects including mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks. Also, repels dogs and cats.

Application Methods: Products containing Oil of Citronella are applied in various ways:

1. Liquid products are sprayed or applied by hand (cloth wipe-on) on skin or clothing.

2. Citronella is also used in solid products such as candles, cartridges, and rub-on products.

3. It is used in flea collars for cats and dogs.

4. To keep dogs and cats away from areas where they are not wanted, citronella is used in scented posts, tablets and pellets.

III. ASSESSING RISKS TO HUMAN HEALTH

In studies using laboratory animals, Oil of Citronella shows little or no toxicity. The only concern is skin irritation. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. Therefore, if used according to label instructions, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations.

Oil of Citronella has been used extensively since 1948 without any reports of adverse effects of concern.

IV. ASSESSING RISKS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Based on laboratory animal studies, Oil of Citronella poses minimal or no risks to wildlife. Because of the low toxicity and limited uses of Oil of Citronella, it is not harmful to the environment. No adverse effects are expected for use around the home.

V. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Registered (licensed for use) in 1948.

Oil of Citronella is considered so unlikely to cause harmful effects that some citronella products are exempt from the usual regulation. However, registration is required for those products that do not meet the criteria for exemption (for instance, they contain other ingredients that EPA has not classified as minimal risk).

VI. PRODUCTS FOR USE AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH PESTS

EPA defines a public health pest as any organism that can cause or transmit human disease, or can cause human discomfort or injury. Examples include fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies. To help protect the public’s health, EPA requires registrants of products used against public health pests to prove the product meets specific standards for effectiveness as well as for safety. The products currently registered with Oil of Citronella as the active ingredient for use against public health pests, such as mosquitoes, ticks and fleas, have met the applicable standards.

Candle Making Suggestions:

Use a mixture of pillar, and container wax. The container wax will produce the scent throw, and the pillar wax would keep it firm in the hot weather. Use about 10% fragrance oil. Do not use any type of pottery that is not glazed on the inside. You can spray the inside of non glazed pottery with clear acrylic paint to seal the pottery. ☺Please: Always test your candles☺