Christmas and New Year candles bring a lot of coziness and warmth to the holidays. That's why they are an equally welcome guest, both in our home and in the office. And also a great idea for a gift for a loved one. However, there are also health risks. It is useful to know more about them in order to protect ourselves.
“One of the risks with candles is related to the organic compounds released during the chemical reactions that occur when the candle burns. According to experts, paraffin candles are the most harmful, with those made of soy or beeswax being considered better alternatives.”, points out Gabriela Rumenova from the online platform “We, the Consumers” in front of the economic and business news portal Economic.bg.
Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft solid substance obtained from petroleum, coal or shale oil. Studies show that paraffin wax is dangerous and the prolonged burning of candles made from it leads to a decrease in indoor air quality. Harmful chemicals such as toluene and benzene are released, which cause respiratory, oncological, reproductive and other health problems when inhaled in large quantities.
A study by "We, the Consumers" showed that more often there is information from the manufacturer about the type of wax from which the candle is made, but in some cases it is hidden by price tags placed by the retailer, for example. According to Gabriela Rumenova, this happens because of the relatively small size of the object, but it is still a violation of the law, for which a fine of up to 1,000 leva is provided. and a property penalty of up to 1,500 leva. She recalls that the current legal norms regarding price marking allow the price to be placed in close proximity to the product and not necessarily on it itself.
Candle fragrances may seem harmless, but they can also lead to some unpleasant, hidden side effects. Most conventional candles do not list the ingredients that make up the fragrance. Instead, in the description you can read that they contain “perfume“. We know, however, that there is no real orange, cinnamon or vanilla in the candles, and manufacturers use either artificial or natural compounds to achieve these soothing aromas. It is well known that fragrances can cause allergies, asthma and in some people cause migraines or headaches. In these cases, choosing unscented candles may be the best option, says “We, the Consumers”.
The pigments used in candle production often release chemicals that are toxic to people and the planet when burned. But there are also waxes that are naturally pigmented. For example, the soft golden hue of beeswax. There are also some non-toxic pigments, so check the labels before buying, the consumer organization recommends.
It is important to know and inform your loved ones that the length of time the candle burns, the presence of ventilation or airing in the room, and the health of those who use them are also factors that determine the degree of harmful effects when using decorative candles at home. If you want to avoid unnecessary pollution in your home, choose candles made from natural wax – they are healthier for both you and the planet, Rumenova also points out, and recommends that purchased paraffin candles with artificial colors and fragrances be used only for decoration or burned outdoors and in well-ventilated areas and for a short time.
Tips for choosing non-toxic candles
Avoid paraffin wax. Instead, look for candles with natural wax, such as beeswax, coconut or soy. Keep in mind that many companies use wax blends with paraffin to reduce their costs – so make sure the wax is 100% natural!
Avoid artificial fragrances. If you want scented candles, look for candles that are scented with 100% essential oils – These are natural and non-toxic scents.
Choose candles with wicks made from 100% cotton, hemp or wood. They are non-toxic and burn cleanly.
Avoid synthetic pigments. Instead, look for non-toxic, biodegradable pigments in the ingredients list or choose candles with natural pigmented wax, such as beeswax.
Burn your candles in a well-ventilated area, but avoid drafts. Strong drafts will cause your candles to burn faster and produce more soot.
Keep the wick between 1-1.5 cm long. Trim the wick to keep it at a good length, as this will minimize the amount of soot released into the air.