Archive for December 13th, 2009

Aren’t scented candles one of life’s more benign pleasures?

Scented candles are so relaxing. They create a warm ambiance and smell so nice. What could possibly be wrong with lighting a scented candle?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but while the fragrances and mood enhancing ability of scented candles may be alluring, their by-products are lethal. These days scented candles are filled with artificial fragrances and chemical ingredients that are too toxic to ignore.

Chemical Fragrances Turn Into Toxins When Burned

Most aromatherapy and scented candles contain chemical fragrances. When burned, they are converted into toxins such as acetone (an ingredient in nail polish remover and paint thinner), benezene, toluene, particulate matter and soot. Not only do the soot and chemicals get all over your home, but they get into your nose and lungs where they can do serious harm.

Even Natual Substances Can Turn Into Toxins When Burned

Even burning pure essential oils drastically alters their delicate constituents into potentially harmful substances. Heating to a high temperature can do the same.

Paraffin Wax As Dangerous As Second-Hand Smoke

Paraffin candles are as dangerous to the lungs as second-hand smoke. The more candles you burn, the more the harmful effect is multiplied. That’s because when burned, paraffin releases benzene and toluene – known carcinogens. These toxic substances are inhaled into you and your family’s lungs and leave residue on walls, ceilings and fabrics. The soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins found in diesel fuel.

Lead in Wicks

Developing countries lack the resources to monitor the safety of products. Candles from China, South America and other developing countries often contain lead in the wicks. Burning a few leaded wicks for only a few hours will increase lead levels 9 to 11 times over acceptable limits. Just burning 4 metal-wick candles for two hours can result in enough airborne lead concentrations to pose a threat to human health. Some homes where leaded wick candles are burned frequently become so toxic, they cannot be sold.

Harmful Additives

Slow-burning candles often contain harmful additives. Gel candles contain petroleum with butylated hydroxyl toluene, not exactly healthy substances. Plus, they have a tendency to explode when overheaded.

“Candles are fast becoming one of the most common unrecognized causes of poor indoor air quality,”” says Diane Walsh Astry, Executive Director of the Health House Project, an American Lung Association education project in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Soy candles are less toxic, if you don’t mind burning genetically modified plant matter. Frankly, I don’t want to support the GMO industry in any way, shape or form, nor do I want any GMO residue floating around my air space.

The bottom line is, burning any kind of aromatherapy or scented candle is essentially poisoning yourself and your family.

Are There Any Alternatives?

What can you do? How can you enjoy fragrances in your home without releasing toxic and even lethal substances into the air?

First, if you must burn a candle, make sure it’s beeswax. Beeswax candles are considerably safer than paraffin and metal-wicked. But they are expensive and not as readily available.

Secondly, try diffusing essential oils instead. Rather than burning essential oils, diffusers work like atomizers, breaking up molecules into a microscopic mist and sending them out into the room. When you diffuse with therapeutic-grade essential oils, you are actually benefiting your body and lungs. Diffusing is a safe, easy and healthy way to infuse your favorite fragrance into your home.

The Ultrasonic Diffuser is a brand-new, state-of-the-art system that can diffuse even the thickest of oils.

As human beings, our olefactory sense is an important part of life and should be enjoyed. Harmful and toxic fragrances can be easily avoided. There’s no need to forego infusing your home and life with wonderful scents. Simply diffuse natural fragrances and essential oils instead of burning dangerous scented candles.