Candles, Carcinogens, and Allergies
photo credit: alancleaver_2000
As do many people, I love to burn candles, especially in the colder, darker months of the year. And vanilla scented? Those are my favorite. But have you ever noticed the black oily film that can get on things when you’ve burned a lot of candles or ones that are especially large? And we’ve all seen the soot that collects on the side of glass candle holders.
Let’s also discuss allergies. Ever wondered why sometimes you feel stuffy inside your home and sometimes not? Have you considered that it might be the candles you burn?
Candles, Carcinogens, and Allergies
I was surprised to learn that some candles emit things that are unhealthy, things like carcinogens, which most of us know can be toxic over time. Think cigarettes or fuel emissions, for instance. Who knew that an innocent candle, with all of the great atmosphere it can create, was also guilty of emitting carcinogens?
And the scented candles I love best? Who knew that when synthetic fragrance is used in candles it is also guilty of emitting countless hazardous chemicals into the air?
So next time you wonder if you’re allergic to something in your home, try to figure out if it might be the candles you’re burning.
The worst offenders are paraffin wax candles, as paraffin is a form of petroleum. Couple that with the chemicals in synthetic fragrances, and you’ve likely discovered the source of your allergy. It’s the indoor pollution created by those lovely candles we burn.
While burning the occasional popular kind of candles sold in most stores is unlikely to cause you harm, using a lot of them at one time or burning them each day is another matter.
Try these safer alternatives: soy candles or beeswax candles with cotton wicks.
If you love fragrance, make sure only natural essences are used. Or buy plain healthy candles for that warm glow of light they provide and scent your home with such things as real cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove, or citrus peels and pine cones set here and there in pretty bowls.
Do you love to burn candles as much as I do? Were you already aware of the dangers in some of them?
If you’ve found alternative ways to create atmosphere and pleasant aromas in your home, please feel free to share them.
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