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