Better Scented Candles

Are Candles Toxic? What are the Safe Scented Candles Option?

hat is really lurking in scented candles?   I loved the candles. I used to lo going to a particular popular candle store to get new scents to go with the seasons. Right now I’d be drooling over “pumpkin pie” or “apple cinnamon”.   Plus, nothing is more relaxing than the soft flickering glow of candlelight to set the mood from romance to peaceful solitude.   Nothing will kill the mood faster than knowing scented candles are poisoning your health and your family’s.

You will learn [hide]

• • • What’s wrong with scented candles
  • The health risks with Candles
  • Better alternatives for Candles
    • Soy candles
    • Beeswax candles

What’s wrong with scented candles

• Candle wax is made from petroleum-derived paraffin, petroleum is a well-known carcinogen and air pollutant
• They are scented with synthetic fragrances, also derived from petroleum. Synthetic fragrances contain hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates
• Candle wicks are often made with  metals like tin, zinc, and even lead
• This is the result of incomplete combustion of petroleum-based fuels

The health risks with Candles

When the petroleum-based candles are burning, all the toxins are released into the air polluting our home with fine particles. These particles make their way to our lungs and stick around hitching a ride in dust particles.

The pollution emitted can cause indoor allergy symptoms Phthalates have been being found to be linked to an array of issues. According to the EWG these include:

• Childhood obesity,
• asthma,
• infertility,
• reduced testosterone concentrations,

Lead microparticles are released into the air. There is no way to know what percentage of lead wicks contain, but according to this report if they are 95% lead they would emit was is regarded as the maximum level of lead children and adults should be exposed to over the course of one year. Lead, as we know, is we know is a neurotoxin.

The soot emitted can be hard to determine, the EPA has stated that the difference between one candle to the next can be as high as 100 times the amount of soot. Soot can be particularly damaging for developing fetuses, even the smallest amount of lead can enter their system as placenta offers very little protection against lead.

Lead, in developing fetuses, can cause from learning disabilities and behavioural problems to miscarriage or severe damage to the central nervous system.

Better alternatives for Candles

Soy candles

A well-known alternative to toxic paraffin candles is soy candles.
(Get at Amazon.com)

I am on the fence about these. According to reports, I have read almost 98% of the soy produced in the US is genetically modified.

Many reports and articles I read while researching this subject suggested buying non-GMO soy candles, but none suggested specific brands. I could not find any soy candle brand that specifically stated the use of non-GMO soy. GMO soy is not the only problem, many soy candles are a combination of soy and paraffin, so unless clearly labelled as 100% soy, I’d stay clear of them.

Beeswax candles

The best alternative is beeswax candles, better yet if they are local.
(Get at Amazon.com)

They are the most natural wax you can find, and they also burn clean. They seem to be a bit pricier but last the longest so it is all relative. Most are fine in the pure state, releasing a subtle hint of honey aroma that I personally adore; but you can find beeswax candles that have added scent by using essential oils or in different colours–just make sure only natural dyes and scents were used. Another option is to make your own beeswax candles.

Even when using candles made with natural wax it is best to burn candles in ventilated spaces and to keep the wicks trim.