By Alex Kelly
I’m sure most of us have had a scented candle in our home at one point or another (I know I have!). When the holidays roll around it is so tempting to buy all the new scents at Bath and Bodyworks. Unfortunately, commercial scented candles often times are a huge source of indoor pollution, and put off chemicals that are considered just as dangerous as second-hand smoke.
The majority of candles are made of paraffin wax which creates highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned (both are known carcinogens). In fact, the toxins released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes (1).
Dr. Jerome O. Nriagu a professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, measured the lead released from 14 brands of candles. He found that burning four metal-wick candles for two hours can result in airborne lead concentrations that pose a threat to human health (2).
“Besides breathing lead fumes, children can be exposed to even more lead that is deposited on the floor, furniture, and walls because they often put their hands in their mouths.”
Dr. Jerome O. Nriagu
Although not all candles cause hazardous pollution, labels will not tell us which ones are safe. Here are some practical things to look out for if you continue to use candles (2):
- Make sure there is not any metal wiring inside the wick (pure paper or cotton is best)
- Keep the wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch for more complete combustion
- Keep candles out of drafts as wind blows more toxins into the air
- Stay away from slow-burning candles with additives; instead opt for pure beeswax candles
- Don’t use candles in jars when the candle leaves a soot ring on the jars lip as this could be an indication to lead dust
- Beeswax Candles – not only are these candles safe, but they actually help clean indoor air by emitting negative ions. While these candles are unscented, you can still have the ambiance of lit candles and create your own aroma by diffusing oils close by.
- Essential oil diffusers – diffusing oils are a safe, effective, and HEALTHY way to fill your home with the scents you love. Some of my favorite oils to blend and diffuse, especially around the holidays are:
- Spiced Cider – 3 drops orange, 2 drops ginger, 2 drops cinnamon
- Sweet Fall – 4 drops bergamot, 3 drops cedar wood
- Snickerdoodle – 4 drops orange, 2 drops cinnamon, 1 drop clove
- Pumpkin Spice – 4 drops cinnamon, 1 drop clove, 1 drop nutmeg
- Fall Wreath – 2 drops peppermint, 2 drops fir, 1 drop eucalyptus, 2 drops rosemary, 1 drop tea tree
- Homemade Potpourri – there are lots of options for creating homemade potpourri. You can use anything from dried fruit slices, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, cloves, dried leaves and wood, dried flower petals, and more. Mix together in a bowl and add a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
- DIY Room Spray – like this Pumpkin Spice spray by Wellness Mama