Scented candles, yes, we use them for home decorations and everyone enjoys when flickering flames in the jar illuminates the darkness at home. They have a beautiful look and an appealing fragrance. These candles create a perfect vibe when taking a hot bubble bath or while having a romantic date with your better half. However, they cause more damage than you can imagine. You ask how? Well, read along!
To understand why they are harmful we should know what these candles are made of:
Paraffin wax is the main ingredient in these candles which is a byproduct of petroleum refining chain. When these candles are burned, they release toluene and benzene also known as carcinogens. The wick of un-scented candles is made up of cotton/paper. Most of these scented candles use metal wicks made up of lead. Lead is being burned in homes which is dangerous when inhaled.
Southern Carolina State University has conducted researches based on candles. There are two types of materials where a candle is made out of. To track the emissions from candles they used vegetable-based and petroleum-based. The researchers burned the candle in a small box for six hours and tested the quality of air inside the box. It was proved that petroleum-based candles release toxic gases when burned. The vegetable-based candles did not give out any harmful gases.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in 2001 reported that burning candles indoors can lead to air pollution and the burning fumes are way above the recommended threshold. A person who inhales these fumes frequently can have health risks like cancer, common allergies and even asthma.
What are the Alternatives?
- Beeswax Candles: A safe option, purchase un-scented organic soy or beeswax candles. To bring a good odour in your house you can use essential oil diffusers and keep your home fresh.
- Diffuse Essential oil: Diffuse essential oils do the opposite of scented candles. They help in bringing mental and physical health and smell fantastic, diffuse oil eliminates the odour instead of masking them. One of the most pleasant fragnances are orange, grapefruit, stress away, and thieves. With essential oils, you can customise your needs. Whenever you come home stressed and exhausted, essential oil will help you recover from the day’s stress.
- Make your own fragrant potpourri: There is nothing better than making your own simmering potpourri. You can make your potpourri with all natural and real ingredient without any harmful effects of chemicals.
Looking at the above facts and studies, we conclude that petroleum-based candles are not good for our health and wellbeing!