I’ll Take One Aromatherapy Candle and 11 Toxins, Please!

Who does not enjoy the romantic and relaxing glow of candles? We light them for children’s birthday parties and surround ourselves with them in our bath. We use aromatherapy candles to improve our health. So why are paraffin candles now considered a health hazard?

Paraffin wax is a petroleum product, a by-product of fuel refining. Paraffin is an inexpensive sludge waste product of the petroleum industry that has been bleached then texturised with acrolyn, a known carcinogenic product.  Once burned it releases toxins that are known carcinogens such as benzene and toluene which are inhaled and linger in the areas they are burned in. What about that black soot around the glass jar of the candle? Soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins found in diesel fuel.  The soot can also cause respiratory problems and will aggravate the conditions of those who already have asthma, lung, or heart problems.

Scientists from the South Carolina State University in Orangeburg lit candles made of paraffin in a specially-built chamber and found that the smoke emits doses of pollutants, including benzene, toluene and ketones, that have been linked to cancer, asthma and birth defects.

Then there are the lead wicks. Scent added to candles softens the wax so manufacturers have to use a lead-core wick to strengthen it so that it will stand straight. According to a recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 40 percent of candles on the market contain lead wires inside their wicks. A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA pollution standards for outdoor air, says the CPSC. Burning only a few with leaded wicks for 3 hours will increase levels 9 to 11 times over acceptable lead levels. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and numerous health problems.

Wow! I need my aromatherapy candles! Surely I can risk a few carcinogens…? But wait – I don’t have to risk my health! There is a wonderful alternative: SOY Candles!

Soy wax is a new alternative to paraffin wax that is made from soybeans, is renewable and cost effective. The soybean is one of the most versatile products used today.

Soy candles do not emit any toxins or black soot when they burn.

Soy candles last up to twice as long as petroleum-based candles because they burn cooler and slower. Soy candles melt in a more efficient way and entirely dissolve. Soap and warm water are all that it takes to clean out a soy candle glass jar and reuse. Wax drips are also easier to clean up from tabletops.

Did you pay for a scented candle? You will get your money’s worth with Soy. The scent in Paraffin candles burns away in the flame. The Soy candles release scent in the melted wax due to the slower burn and emit much more scent than paraffin candles.

Need another green reason to switch to Soy candles? Soy wax is a renewable resource; petroleum is limited. Soy wax is biodegradable.

That is why we offer soy candles at Giving From The Art.

I am now a believer and ready to switch to Soy candles.  Anyone else ready? Just let me know!

Wishing you the best of health!

Barb

Featured Artist

This striking tri-metal jewelry collection is inspired by the ancient Indian belief of experiencing spiritual harmony by combining three metals with a natural stone. Each unique piece has been skillfully hand-crafted by artisans in India using silver, brass and copper with the finest selection of natural stones.

Each product line is carefully chosen and designed by the owners, Juzer and his wife Suraiyya. They hand pick high quality semi precious stones for their jewellery collections. These stones are chosen not only for their aesthetic value but also for their spiritual and healing attributes. Did you know that Prehnite is a stone of unconditional love and can induce deep meditation? Or that Moonstone has the effect of calming the emotions? Lapis Lazuli is said to release stress and bring deep peace. And the beautiful Amethyst promotes emotional centering, love and healing.

Give a gift of art and deep meaning with the lovely pieces from this stunning collection. We carry the full line at Giving from the Art.

Welcome to www.GivingFromTheArt.com

Welcome to “Giving from the Art”, an online art and gift boutique. In creating this business, I searched my heart to discover what path I should take at this point in my life. I retired from commercial banking after 25 years and am a commercial real estate finance consultant. I have also been painting in my spare time for years. I knew that as a watercolor artist I wanted to do something with my art. But I also have a desire to continue to give back to the community. My online boutique gives me an opportunity to combine two of my passions - art and giving back.

While I have Giclee’ prints of my paintings and boxed sets of note cards from my paintings for sale in my online boutique, many of the other items come from artisans around the world. I am pleased to have the opportunity to share these small works of art and treasures with you.

An important part of my life is being involved with many local charities. I have been on the board of directors of Junior Achievement of South Florida for the past 10 years, was a March of Dimes Woman of Distinction, and a 1000+ Club to Benefit Cancer Woman of the Year. I personally support other local organizations as well.

Giving from the Art allows me to expand and grow my charitable contributions in the community by hosting a Charity Shopping Weekend each month for a different local organization. I am looking forward to the opportunity of writing large checks to local charitable organizations every month! Thank you for supporting artists around the world and charities in your local community.

I am blessed to have the support of my wonderful husband Joe and to be pursuing my dreams.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"- Eleanor Roosevelt

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Best,

Barb