~~~ CANDLES OR CHEMICALS? ~~~

'Slow burning, scented parrafin candles cause lead poisoining, poor indoor air quality, and is a serious concern'

(The American Lung Association.)

Candles often contain additives which change their color, scent, or burning characteristics. While these chemicals can make your candles look and smell nice, they can also release toxins into your house when they are burned.Candle fragrance oil additives aren't regulated and can carry some harmful toxins. Many essential oils are solvent extracted.

Candles are being made differently than they were in the past...

Toxic Chemicals that have been found in the combustion by-products of some scented candles include,benzene, styrene, toluene, acetone, trichlorofluoromethane, carbon disulfide, 2- butanone, styrene, xylene, phenol, creson, lead, carbonmonoxide, soot and particulate matter.

Soot is very fine & is easily absorbed by the lungs. Soot is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, usually petroleum-based. The soot not only discolours walls and furniture, it can also contaminate your home’s ventilation system & damage electrical appliances.

The candles you may have in your house, could well contain a lead wick.This will deposit lead & other things into your indoor air environment. Early signs of lead poisoning include gastro-intestinal problems, muscle pains and weaknesses, irritability, excessive thirst, headache, insomnia, depression and lethargy. Children are particularly vulnerable. Chronic low-level exposure to lead has been found to produce permanent neuro-psychological defects and behavious disorders in children..including low IQ, short attention span, hyperactive behaviour, and motor difficulties.

WHAT ARE CANDLES MADE FROM?

Paraffin.

This is made from petroleum wastes (bleached, and then texturized with acrolyn), is the most common wax used in candles. Unfortunately, burning paraffin candles produces smoke and soot and according to the American EPA, paraffin candles are known to release carcinogens like benzene and toluene as well as other toxic substances. Being made from petroleum, paraffin is a non-renewable resource.

Gel waxes.

These have become very popular because of their crystal clarity and ability to take color and fragrance. Gel wax is usable only in containers because of its softness. It is basically petroleum oil turned to jelly. The wicks are also a concern, because of the softness of the wax, reinforced wicks are required, and some of these are definite health hazards. (The core to hold them up is usually made of lead or other heavy metal)

Soy wax

Looking for something safer...soya wax is a fairly new addition to the candle maker's repetoire. Produced from soy beans, it burns cleaner than petroleum-based waxes and is a renewable resource. It burns longer than paraffin, emits less soot and no known carcinogens. There are no known health problems associated with burning soy wax.

Beeswax

This is obtained as a by-product of collecting honey. It can be almost white to almost black in color, but is commonly an amber-gold. It has a slight aroma of honey. Beeswax burns more cleanly and longer than other common wax types. It is a good choice to use for candles burned where allergies or environmental sensitivities are an issue, because it is naturally colored and scented & without additives. It is more costly than paraffin or soy wax, but its long burning time offsets the initially higher cost.

When your buying candles,ones that are greasy to the touch, especially those with a gel consistency, and candles that feel oily, have an additive in them to give them a longer life. These are usually the most toxic.

ABSENSE OF CONSUMER WARNINGS

BE SMART & KNOW WHAT YOUR BUYING! Candle Manufacturers are not required to list or disclose hazardous, toxic or carcinogenic compounds used as ingredients in their products. They dont have to lable their products advising consumers that they may emit harmful toxins. Over 25 candle makers, manufactures, suppliers & retailers have had proposition 65 notices filed against them for toxic or hazardous ingredients without warning or disclosure.

TIPS FOR BURNING CANDLES

The way you burn your candles is just as important as the ones you choose.

Only burn unscented beeswax or soyabean, or those you know are pollution-free.

Dont burn candles with a shiny metal core in the wick unless you know its lead free.

Trim the wick to a 1/4" before EACH lighting. A short wick produces a smaller, more controlled flame that won't emit as much smoke.

If you see black smoke: immediately blow it out.

Do not allow debris in the wax pool. ie match heads & excess wick.

Use more plants in & around the home, they can absorb some of the bad air.

Keep your homes or whereever you are burning them well ventilated.

Beeswax Candles are barely tollerated for those inflicted with MCS (Muliple Chemical Sensitivities)

The common belief that it doesnt affect me, so it cant be doing anything wrong, it an old wives tale and you need to think differently.Candles that emit these chemicals are harmfull to your health & to that of your children. Lung Cancer doesnt happen overnight....just like diabetes, heart disease, alzhimers, or parkinsons...