May 15 2007
Is burning candles harmful to your health? Is it bad for the environment?
krl713 asked:
I’m mostly concerned about the soot given off by the candles.
I’m mostly concerned about the soot given off by the candles.
2 Responses to “Is burning candles harmful to your health? Is it bad for the environment?”
If you have asthma or bad allergies, then yes the soot from regular candles can aggravate those. They dont do it anymore, I dont think, but wicks used to be lead-core, which is obviously bad. Soy candles dont put off nearly as much soot as regular candles.
As for the environment, there’s not enough soot to pollute the air…just your interior atmosphere.
Personally I have done some heavy research on this subject being the candle lover that I am. I have children and pets in my home and I wanted to know the answer myself. Although some people believe otherwise, this is what I came up with.
To begin with most traditional candles are made from paraffin wax. Paraffin is nothing more than refined crude oil. Its the 5% or so of the bottom of the oil barrell that the gasoline industry rejects. This unflattering material is then mixed with industry strength bleach which gives it the familiar white color.
When this mixture is burned as a candle it gives off harmful toxins, soot and many of the same toxins as diesel fuel.
Now that I have learned this information I have since swithed to a healthy alternative to paraffin wax candles. These candles are made from ALL NATURAL plant, vegetable and soy blend wax. These candles are stronger smelling, longer burning and virtually soot-free. I will never go back to paraffin wax candles ever again.
Oh and another thing I love is the fact that these healthier candles burn clean and even all the way down which means no wasted wax. That means no wasted money!!
Learn more about this new sensation!