Are You Burning Toxic Candles? | Real Food RN (2023)

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Are You Burning Toxic Candles? | Real Food RN? ›

Burning candles does release hydrocarbons into the air, but not enough to pose a significant health risk to most people.

Burning candles does release hydrocarbons into the air, but not enough to pose a significant health risk to most people.

Candle wax is considered nonpoisonous, but it may cause a blockage in the intestines if a large amount is swallowed. A person who is allergic to the scent or color ingredients in the candle may have an allergic reaction from touching the candle.

Beeswax candles are the healthiest choice in candles. Made from the caps of bee honeycombs, beeswax candles burn clean, are very long-burning, and give off a pleasant natural fragrance as they burn. Beeswax candles are dripless when burned properly, and release negative ions which help clean the air in a room.

Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches or irritation to eyes, nose or throat, nausea, and even damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. Some VOCs are suspected or proven carcinogens.

That's according to Andrew Sledd, M.D., a Missouri pediatrician who specializes in environmental toxicology. Sledd told KFVS-TV that it only takes an hour of burning a candle to produce the same harmful effects as smoking just one cigarette. He said soot from candles can pose a threat to our respiratory systems.

What are Bath and Body Works candles made of? Most of these popular scented candles contain ingredients that are potentially toxic or harmful. These include paraffin wax, formaldehyde, and phthalate. While you wouldn't expose yourself to such chemicals on a normal day, you might do so any time you burn these candles.

Paraffin wax is commonly used to make candles and wax melts because it is generally cheaper to produce than soy wax. Since paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil, it has been found to contain known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) such as benzene.

In general, wax is not poisonous. If a child eats a small amount of crayon, the wax will pass through the child's system without causing a problem. However, eating large amounts of wax or crayons can lead to intestinal obstruction.

No reputable scientific study has ever shown any candle wax, including paraffin, to be harmful to human health.”

What candle wicks are food safe? ›

"Most wicks are made of cotton or wood, with some even having a metal core, which aren't ideal to accidentally eat as you may have a little bit (or a lot) of indigestion on your hands. Your best bet is to buy edible wicks made of organic hemp and beeswax that you can find on Amazon or in a craft store.

If you must use an actual candle, try beeswax or soy candles. These candles burn cleaner than regular paraffin wax. Beeswax candles clean the air by releasing negative ions into the air which bind with toxins and help remove them from the air.

Soy candles, on the other hand, are non-toxic. They are free of carcinogens and poisons, unlike paraffin candles and even though they may produce a very small amount of soot when burned it is typically much less than that produced by paraffin wax candles.

An often-quoted study from 2002 finds that paraffin wax candles emit more formaldehyde compared to soy wax candles. Paraffin is derived from petroleum, while beeswax and soy are natural options.

Soot particles can travel deep into the lungs and are a particular health nuisance for those with asthma, and lung or heart disease. To make matters worse, many scented and aromatherapy candles are made with paraffin–a byproduct of oil refining.

Candles, reed diffusers, room sprays and even fragranced cleaning products normally have no adverse effects on cats. The levels of exposure are very low and do not result in any harm.

Never touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied. Don't burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 1/2 inch remains in the container or 2 inches if using a pillar candle.

Beyond providing ambience, certain types of candles can add toxic pollutants to your indoor air. The biggest offenders? Paraffin wax candles, which are derived from petroleum and release some of the same carcinogenic chemicals as diesel fuel: benzene, toluene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

What are your candles made out of? Bath & Body Works currently offers two different formulas of wax for our candles. The main ingredients for all formulas are vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Our Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles.

What are Yankee Candles made of? Yankee candles are made from paraffin wax, as well as essential oils for fragrance and cotton for the wicks.

Are there toxic chemicals in candles? ›

Lead wicks aside, burning candles can expose you to potentially hazardous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Though these chemicals can be dangerous, studies conclude that exposure to these chemicals when burning candles is too low to present a direct health hazard.

But while scented candles do produce various vapors and particles that can be unsafe to inhale at high doses, research suggests that with typical use, the dose you get is far below what is considered harmful to your health.

The majority of the candles however contain paraffin wax which is said to be harmful when burned. Paraffin wax comes from petroleum which can emit harmful toxins when burnt into the air, these chemicals and harmful toxins have been named as a group of BTEX which are carcinogenic and therefore harmful to your health.

As wax melts are flame free, they are much safer to use than a burning candle. Some people use electric wax burners rather than melters which use tea-lights, as it's much safer in case there's children present in the house.

Paraffin is usually nontoxic (not harmful) if swallowed in small amounts. Recovery is likely. The person will likely be asked to drink large amounts of fluids to help move the paraffin through the bowel. The exact amount will depend on the person's age and size as well as other medical conditions which may be present.

Yes, you heard that right, you can burn and eat candles at the same time. All you have to do is use edible materials for it. These candles have become a recent trend at birthday parties and events because these candles can be eaten directly along with the cake.

Beeswax and soy candles usually burn cleaner than paraffin wax. Furthermore, beeswax candles can actually clean your air by releasing some negative ions that easily bind with toxins to help eliminate them from your indoor air.

According to The New York Times, most of a candle's matter actually ends up evaporating into the air. As the wax starts to melt and puddle around the candle's cotton wick, it actually travels upward. The wick soaks it up, and it eventually evaporates into the air as either carbon dioxide or water vapor after it burns.

We would like you to know that, today, IKEA's candles are made from Paraffin, Stearin (Stearic Acid), Vegetable wax or a mix of these materials (for example: paraffin and vegetable wax).

Empty candle jars can also easily take the place of snack bowls. Whether you're munching on something salty at the end of a long day or entertaining a group of friends with an array of treats, clean candle jars can be a delightful way to serve up your favorites.

What is the healthiest candle wick? ›

To play it safe, look for 100 percent cotton, hemp, or wood wicks.

You can eat soy wax thats how clean of a product it is and it cleans up easily with some hot water and soap. Soy candles burn up to 50% longer than the alternative waxes.

When burning a candle, avoid proximity to fans, air conditioners, open windows, or crowded areas with people walking back and forth. Moving air can disturb the flame, resulting in those pesky black marks on the glass.

To avoid some of the toxins found commonly in candles, make the switch to beeswax or vegetable-based wax candles. These kinds of candles are entirely non-toxic and all-natural, as long as they are 100 percent beeswax or vegetable and not a blend. You'll also want to find a candle with a cotton wick.

There you have it, when comparing wax, soy wax is arguably better than beeswax due to cost, aesthetics, oil retention, vegan friendly and eco friendly properties. However on sweetness, and burn temperature, beeswax wins out.

A candle using soy wax is processed (like other candles) and can have additives (like other candles) to make it burn. There's no significant, scientifically backed evidence to prove that soy wax is in any way less harmful, or cleaner burning than other wax types.

The best candles to look out for are made using 100% GMO free (genetically modified organisms) soy wax. Soy wax burns clean and you won't be filling your home, or your lungs, with potentially deadly smoke, dangerous pollutants or staining your walls and ceilings with black soot.

2) Soy wax is cleaner burning and soy candles do not emit the 'diesel-fume' toxins that paraffin candles do. Because these carcinogens are linked to health problems like asthma and even lung cancer, I would definitely choose soy wax over paraffin wax!

Beeswax is the oldest known material used for candles, and remains one of the cleanest options. Beeswax is natural, free of toxins, and makes fall candles that provide slow burn. It's considered the cleanest burning candle wax, as it acts as a natural air purifier.

Are wax melts toxic? ›

Wax melts are safe because they don't create soot, don't contain harmful chemicals, and can be used flame-free. Not only are they good for the environment, but they are safe for your health.

Wax Melts are Perfectly Safe

Overall, wax melts are safer and better than candles. They aren't bad for you, are completely safe to breathe in, and are better for the environment.

While it does come down to personal choice, essential oils are a safer and cleaner option. A diffuser will eliminate the risk of leaving an open flame unattended while providing you with a subtle yet continuous aroma.

100% beeswax candles are safe, environmentally friendly, and nontoxic. They are biodegradable and don't undergo any chemical processing. They burn very clean with little smoke since they aren't oil-based like paraffin candles.

Can I Burn Lavender Candles or Essential Oils Around My Cat? Lavender candles and essential oil diffusers are considered safer for use around pets because they contain more diluted essential oils. However, you should still be careful because your cat could find a way to ingest essential oils from a diffuser.

Most popular essential oils (including eucalyptus, tea tree, citrus oils, pine, peppermint, etc) are poisonous to dogs in moderate to large doses. All of Bath & Body Works' Wallflower scents contain essential oils, which are then sprayed into the air where they an easily be inhaled by your dog.

Most of the time, candles are relatively harmless to dogs and will not make them sick. The common candle waxes, such as soy, paraffin, and beeswax, are all non-toxic and usually soften and pass safely through your dog's digestive system. Soy-based candles in particular are the softest and pose the least amount of risk.

Fragrances, VOCs, and soot can all trigger respiratory disease and cause breathing problems, and VOCs, such as acetone benzene and toluene, are harmful for those with asthma and allergies, says Parikh. It's possible that candles made from natural waxes release fewer harmful chemicals.

Wax Melts are Perfectly Safe

Overall, wax melts are safer and better than candles. They aren't bad for you, are completely safe to breathe in, and are better for the environment.

Never keep a candle burning in a room that is completely closed off. If a candle is left burning in an enclosed place for an extended period of time, enough carbon monoxide will build up in the room to cause major health problems.

Is it OK to burn scented candles everyday? ›

Lead wicks aside, burning candles can expose you to potentially hazardous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Though these chemicals can be dangerous, studies conclude that exposure to these chemicals when burning candles is too low to present a direct health hazard.

Candles bring a touch of beauty and warmth to the bedroom. But a burning candle is an open flame and can be dangerous. Avoid sleeping with candles burning, and never leave them unattended. Candles create a calm, relaxing environment and can positively affect our mood.

The usage of scented candles 4 times or more in a month, showed to increase the occurrence of chest tightness 1.27 times (95% CI = 0.72–2.23), shortness of breath 1.51 times (95% CI = 0.72–3.18), and nasal allergy 1.27 times (95% CI = 0.71–2.27), though the association was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

“Candles are made of cheap paraffin wax, artificial fragrances, and dyes, and when they are burned, they emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, Benzopyrene, and other volatile compounds,” according to OK!

Paraffin wax is commonly used to make candles and wax melts because it is generally cheaper to produce than soy wax. Since paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil, it has been found to contain known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) such as benzene.

Why Are Wax Melts a Safe Way to Add Fragrance to Your Home? Wax melts are safe because they don't create soot, don't contain harmful chemicals, and can be used flame-free. Not only are they good for the environment, but they are safe for your health. No lung agitation, respiratory issues, or stained furniture.

Different Types of Wax Melts

Recent findings on paraffin wax reveal that they actually contain harmful chemicals such as benzene. This is a known human carcinogen, which means it causes cancer. When burned or melted, this compound leaks into the air.

The physical aspect: the candle heats the air and expands it. This cancels the depletion of the oxygen temporarily and the water level stays down. When the oxygen is depleted, the candle goes out and the air cools. The volume of the air decreases and the water rises.

The best place to burn a candle is on a stable, heat-resistant surface. So, in addition to keeping your candle in sight, you should find an area away from children, pets, windows or drafts and flammable materials (like furniture, curtains, carpeting, paper, etc.). This will help reduce the risk of candle catastrophes.

The National Candle Association urges consumers to follow these rules for candle safety. Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.