We all love candles. They make our homes smell nice and they create a cozy ambiance. But did you know that candles can be toxic? That’s right, the chemicals in candles can be harmful to your health. Most candles are made of paraffin wax, which is a petroleum product. When burned, paraffin candles release toxic chemicals into the air, including toluene and benzene. Paraffin releases deposits soot into the air you are breathing, the plant based candles release a substantially lower level of soot than paraffin which is a byproduct of manufacturing gasoline. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and other health issues. So what can you do? Well, you can avoid candles made of paraffin wax and opt for candles made of beeswax, soy wax, or vegetable wax instead. These candles are non-toxic and much better for your health. So next time you reach for a candle, think about the toxins in candles and choose a safer option. Pernillas Curated Candle Shop
The Toxins lurking in Candles.
When it comes to candles, it’s important to be aware of the toxins that they can contain. Many candles are made with paraffin wax, which can release harmful chemicals into the air. opt for candles made with beeswax or table wax instead. These candles are non-toxic and much better for your health. The health hazards of paraffin candles are well-documented, so be thoughtful about which candles you burn in your home. If you’re looking for a safer option, beeswax or vegetable wax candles are a great choice. Not only are they free of harmful toxins, but they’re also environmentally-friendly. So next time you need to grab a candle, keep these health risks in mind and choose accordingly.
The Dangers of Paraffin Wax.
Many candles are made with paraffin wax, which can release harmful chemicals into the air. Paraffin wax is made from petroleum, which can produce carcinogens when burned. These carcinogens can increase your risk of cancer and respiratory problems.
In 2003 a study was done at the University of South Carolina that showed the toxic level of paraffin candles, but due to political and industry pressure the report has been suppressed.
So next time you reach for a candle, think about the toxins in candles and choose a safer option. Opt for candles made with beeswax, soy wax, or vegetable wax instead. These candles are non-toxic and much better for your health. Not only are they free of harmful toxins, but they’re also environmentally-friendly. So next time you need to grab a candle, Check our affiliate store to find our curated list of non-toxic candles.
The Benefits of Beeswax, Soy Wax, and Vegetable Wax.
The candles that you burn in your home could be doing more harm than good. Many candles are made with toxic materials that can be released into the air when they are burned. These toxins can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and headaches.
If you are concerned about the toxins in your candles, look for brands that use natural, non-toxic materials. There are many eco-friendly candle companies that make candles with soy wax, beeswax, or vegetable wax. These candles are just as beautiful and fragrant as traditional candles, but they won’t release harmful toxins into your home.
How to spot a Non-Toxic Candle.
While it is true that some candles may contain toxins, there are many brands that use natural ingredients and do not pose a risk to your health. If you are concerned about the potential toxins in candles, be sure to read the labels carefully and choose brands that use natural ingredients. Avoid candles with colorings, these are usually an indicator of toxic additives in a candle. Look at the wick and see if there is a fine wire filament in the wick. Though there is no science on the toxicity of vaporized zinc or copper, we think it is prudent to not use candles that have non organic ingredients.
Check the wicks in the candles you choose.
Lead wicks have been Candle wicks can have metal cores and additives to make them burn longer and brighter, such as lead, zinc and tin, and copper. One of the things to be vigilant about is imported candles, these may contain lead in the wicks that vaporizes the lead into the air you are breathing. If you want to test if a wick contains a lead core, you can rub the tip of the wick of an un-burnt candle on a piece of paper. If it leaves a gray mark, like a pencil, then the wick does contain a lead core.
Candle Hints
- Inspect wicks for wires
- Keep wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch for more complete combustion
- Instead of blowing out a candle use a candle snuffer
- Avoid slow burning candles, these have additives
- If you see a soot ring on a candle bottle, inspect for cause of high soot, and inspect wick
The Takeaway.
Removing as many toxins from our homes and away from our children is one of the things we can do to keep our health as well as possible. We are surrounded by toxins in every day life, this is one of the steps to lower your families exposure by using plant based organic based candles.
Further Reading