The soft, romantic flicker of candlelight coupled with a luscious scent is something many people like to have to go in the evening. With fragrances from lemons to cookies to spring fields, there is one to set the mood for any room. Some light them for romance, some for relaxation, and others for chasing away cooking smells after dinner.
Whatever the reasons are that you light up scented candles, you might want to listen up and then round them up for your trash because your scented candles are slowly killing you. Here are the reasons why you need to rid your home of them.
1. Most conventional candles contain paraffin
Paraffin is a waste product that comes from the petroleum industry. When burned, it emits carcinogenic chemicals into the air. These fumes are comparable to those that come from a diesel engine. Yikes!
2. Lead in the wick
An astonishing number of these scented candles have lead cores within the wick. As you are likely aware, lead is very dangerous and by burning these candles, you are releasing lead toxins into your home.
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3. They have plenty of other toxic chemicals
In the residue you get from burning scented candles, there are two highly toxic chemicals. Benzene causes cancer, while toluene impacts your central nervous system.
Plus, there are many other toxins that could be in the paraffin mixture that gets released while your candle burns like carbon tetrachloride, acetone, xylene, carbon disulfide, trichloroethane, and many, many more.
These deadly chemical cocktails in your scented candles surely do not sound romantic or calming, do they? Especially if you have children in your home.
4. What is the way out?
But what if you like candles and fragrances? Here are some alternate suggestions that will keep you and your home healthy.
1. Brew it
Simmer cinnamon sticks, lemon slices, or other natural items over very low heat on your stove to fill your house with a lovely fragrance that causes no harm. Just make sure you pay attention and do not leave it unattended.
2. Invest in organic essential oils
Use a nebulizer for pure essential oils. With a great variety of essential oils available these days, you will definitely find your favorite scent. Make sure you are buying safe essential oils, though.
3. Choose candles made from pure beeswax
They come in pretty colors and are incredibly safe. Often, you can find them scented with essential oils instead of chemically-created fragrances and these are a great alternative for keeping your home well-scented. The downside is they tend to be more expensive, but you can make your own too.
4. Or soy candles
Soy candles are another great option as long as you ensure they are made completely from soy. Like beeswax candles, you can find soy candles that are scented with essential oils.
Never ever buy those cheap scented candles from the dollar bins. Those are the biggest offenders of releasing the most toxins.
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But even more, high-end scented candles are filled with chemicals and other nasty items you surely do not want to breathe. Make the switch to natural items and you will have a fragrant and lovely home that will not make you sick down the road.
