Scented candles can be found in almost every home and are often used to help mask unpleasant odors that may plague the home. But did you know that some of these scented candles may actually be toxic?

Hazardous Chemicals

When we burn traditional scented candles, there is a chance that we are polluting the air around us with potentially hazardous chemicals including benzene and toluene. These chemicals have been found to cause damage to the brain and the central nervous system.

Commercial scented candles can also be detrimental for people who are already suffering from asthma or other respiratory issues because of the heavy fragrance that is omitted when the candles are burned.

How are These Candles Made?

Scented candles are most commonly made with paraffin wax, and this is what creates the toxic chemicals we described above. These chemicals are also the same you find with diesel fuel fumes.

In addition to the wax being used to make these candles, we must also consider the wicks. Generally, the wicks contain heavy metals like lead that can then go airborne and pollute the air with heavy metal which can prove to be incredibly harmful to children.

Exposure to a heavy metal like lead can lead to numerous health problems including behavioral issues and learning disabilities.

These candles may also contain other harmful chemicals including acetone, carbon tetrachloride, and phenol which are toxins you can typically find in paint and varnish.

Safer Alternatives

If you are looking for a safer and more natural alternative to commercial scented candles that do not contain artificial scents and dyes, then you should choose a soy-based candle option instead or beeswax candles.

Beeswax candles are the preferred option because they act as a traditional candle, but they do not give off any of the harmful toxins that you find with commercial scented candles.

Essential oils can be added to the beeswax to add scent to the candles, and the essential oils in the candle can also help to detoxify the air. You are also able to use a diffuser to keep your home smelling nice with the essential oils.

Adding Fragrance to Your Candles with Essential Oils

When making your candles at home with beeswax, you can add the essential oils to the wax when the wax is still hot. However, you don’t want the wax to be so hot that it starts to evaporate the essential oils you are dropping in.

Some of the best essential oils to add to candles include lavender mixed with vanilla, rosemarysweet orangelemon essential oil, and cypress. You can also create your own favorite combination of essential oils to add to your candles.

 

Meta: Commercial scented candles may contain harmful toxins and chemicals that can be detrimental to your health. A safer alternative would be choosing candles made from soy or beeswax.

Shares

Pin It on Pinterest

WhatsApp chat