How can you tell if a candle is toxic?
Inspect The Candle Wax If it’s a vivid color, you can assume that it is made with synthetic dyes. These dyes can contain harmful chemicals when heated. Next, check what type of wax is used in the candle. Most candlemakers list the type of wax used on the label of the candle. But you may want to think twice before lighting your next candle. Some scented candles could be as harmful — maybe even worse — than smoking a cigarette. That’s according to Andrew Sledd, M. D. Missouri pediatrician who specializes in environmental toxicology.Q: How can I recognize a truly non-toxic candle? A: Look for candles made with 100% natural waxes (such as soy or beeswax), scented with 100% essential oils (or unscented), and made with cotton, paper or wooden wicks. Slow North fully discloses all ingredients, so you can be confident in your choice.In summary, to safely use scents at home: Skip oil-based paraffin and gel waxes and burn plant-based and beeswax candles only.If you’re wondering whether paraffin candles are safe, the answer is a bit alarming. Studies, including one from South Carolina State University, have shown that paraffin wax candles can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. Some of the common toxins found in paraffin wax candles include: Trichloroethane.Our candles are safe when used as directed on the label. They undergo extensive quality and safety testing under rigorous burn and use conditions and meet or exceed all applicable industry and government standards for safety and performance.
What candles are safe for your lungs?
Choose Soy Wax Every Time It’s eco-friendly, clean-burning, and safe for your lungs, making it a superior alternative to paraffin and other waxes. By selecting soy candles with natural wicks and high-quality fragrances, you can enjoy a soothing atmosphere without compromising your health or the environment. Why We Don’t Use Soy Wax. Soy is not a natural wax. It’s a hydrogenated oil processed with heavy metals. GMO) and farmed with pesticides.Soy Wax and Coconut Wax: The Healthiest Choices It emits little to no toxins, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.When it comes to choosing the healthiest type of candle to burn, soy wax stands out as the best option. It’s eco-friendly, clean-burning, and safe for your lungs, making it a superior alternative to paraffin and other waxes.Soy wax is a natural product that has these general properties: Non-Toxic – meaning that soy wax is not poisonous. Made of either 100% soybean oil or a combination of other non-soy materials (animal products and/or other vegetable products).Beeswax and soy wax are not petroleum-based, so they don’t emit benzene or toluene. Instead, they burn cleanly with far fewer microparticles that are associated with breathing problems and lung cancer. As well as not emitting toxic chemicals, nontoxic candles can have health benefits too.
What’s the healthiest type of candle to burn?
Soy wax and coconut wax are two of the most popular choices for healthy candles. They are both made from natural, renewable resources, and they burn cleaner than paraffin wax (which we’ll discuss below). This means they release little to no toxins into the air, which can be beneficial for your health. The study claimed that paraffin-scented candles emitted toxic chemicals like toluene and benzene into the air and frequently lighting many candles in an unventilated space could lead to problems, and may aggravate asthma, cause allergy-like symptoms, or irritate the respiratory tract.The most important part of the candle is what it consists of and that is mostly the wax. The most popular choices are paraffin wax, soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, & palm wax. Paraffin wax is by far the worst selection for health risks and is also the most prevalent material to use for candles in the United States.It’s been suggested — but not proven — that cheaper candles are more dangerous because they have more VOCs in them. If listed, check the paraffin content of the candle you’re considering buying. Whenever you can, opt for beeswax, soy or other plant-based waxes instead. While they may be pretty to look at, Dr.Beyond providing ambience, certain types of candles can add toxic pollutants to your indoor air. The biggest offenders? Paraffin wax candles, which are derived from petroleum and release some of the same carcinogenic chemicals as diesel fuel: benzene, toluene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.No. All types of quality candle waxes have been shown to burn cleanly, safely and in the same manner. U. S.
Are scented candles harmful for your health?
But while scented candles do produce various vapors and particles that can be unsafe to inhale at high doses, research suggests that with typical use, the dose you get is far below what is considered harmful to your health. Burning candles of any kind – including those made with natural ingredients – pollutes the air in your home with gases and small particulates that can be inhaled and travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, Evans adds. For these reasons, we recommend against burning any type of candles in the home.The most common complaints from those who had been exposed to scented candles were vertigo, headaches, mucosa irritation, respiratory issues, watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, chest tightness, and a dry or irritated throat.Check For Artificial Scents If the candle has an extremely strong scent, it’s likely the candle was made with artificial and potentially toxic fragrance chemicals.Candles can worsen indoor air quality with the release of pollutants, including black carbon, formaldehyde, particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and nitrous oxide.
What are the most unhealthy candles?
Candles made from paraffin or those containing synthetic fragrances tend to produce more soot. This soot can be inhaled and can even leave behind harmful particles that settle into your home, impacting your indoor air quality. Non Toxic Candles Made with 100% natural soy wax infused with essential oils, our candles burn cleaner without any paraffin, parabens, or phthalates. Shop our collection and find the perfect way to scent the mood.Soy waxes are a great option if you are looking for a candle wax that is natural, comes from a renewable source, non-toxic, clean-burning, and helps support the American farmer.These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks, and skin problems. A 2005 study published by the University of South Florida showed that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit (2).As a candle burns, it releases hydrocarbons — chemical compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon — into the air. In particular, burning candles releases trace quantities of toluene and benzene.Q: How can I recognize a truly non-toxic candle? A: Look for candles made with 100% natural waxes (such as soy or beeswax), scented with 100% essential oils (or unscented), and made with cotton, paper or wooden wicks. Slow North fully discloses all ingredients, so you can be confident in your choice.
Which candles have formaldehyde?
Like most petroleum products, paraffin is neither clean-burning nor readily biodegradable in the environment. Candles made from paraffin are known to release toxic chemicals, including aforementioned formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, as well as other compounds like toluene and benzene. Natural materials such as beeswax, soy wax, and coconut wax all have much longer burn times than petroleum-based candles made from materials like paraffin wax. Natural candles also benefit from coming from renewable sources and don’t produce excessive soot and smoke.Natural Candles. Natural candles are essential for creating an eco-friendly home ambiance, providing beautiful aromas that are entirely chemical-free. Unlike conventional candles made from paraffin and mineral wax, our natural candles use sustainable materials that are good for both your health and the environment.It’s important to look for natural wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. These plant-based waxes not only burn cleaner but also produce minimal soot and smoke, unlike paraffin candles. Beeswax has some added benefits, as it releases negative ions. This can help remove odors and more from the air.Plus, your candle will start to smoke and release soot. Avoid this by always following the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, it is recommended that candles do not burn for longer than four hours and cool for at least two hours before relighting.