Post-workout meditation and relaxation baths can be harmful if you choose the wrong candles

The time when candles were a source of light ended with the advent of electricity. But they are still used today: to create a romantic or meditative atmosphere, to relax in the bath, to decorate and scent a room. They come in different designs and odors. But are all of them safe and is it worth risking your health for the sake of an original shape or fragrance? Let’s find out together with the ecologist-consultant how to choose a safe candle for the home.

ecologist-consultant

If people light candles infrequently, there will be no harm from them. It is bad when there are a lot of them and they burn for a long time in a poorly ventilated room.

What can candles be dangerous?

Most candles are made of paraffin, the end product of the petroleum refining chain. When burned, it releases toluene and benzene into the air – toxic substances that cause headaches, insomnia, decreased mental capacity and memory loss. Carcinogen poisoning leads to palpitations, drowsiness and gastrointestinal damage.

Researchers at the University of South Florida have shown that these fine soot particles are similar in size and composition to diesel exhaust. They settle deeply into the lungs and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to cardiovascular disease, asthma and cancer. They also have undesirable effects on DNA.

Candles with brightly colored designs and pungent fragrances should also be avoided. Researchers at the University of Maryland have found that 80-90% of fragrance ingredients are synthesized from toxic substances: acetone, phenol, toluene, benzyl acetate and limonene.

Are there safe alternatives?

However, you shouldn’t despair and forget about candles forever. There are safe options made from soy wax, one of the most sustainable substances in the world. When burning, they do not emit harmful particles or accumulate black soot. Although soy candles are more expensive than paraffin candles, they burn slower and therefore last longer. Soy wax is biodegradable and therefore safe for the environment.

Fans of beautiful and delicious-smelling candles should specify what is in the composition – aromatic or essential oils. Despite the fact that the former are cheaper and more diverse, the ecologist claims that only the latter make the candle completely natural.

What to pay attention to when choosing a candle?

The proportions in the size of the candle and the thickness of the wick. If a thin candle has a thick wick, it can smoke and even cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wick Composition. In order for the wick to hold upright, some manufacturers use a lead core. When heated, the metal emits vapors that impair the functioning of the brain and central nervous system.

To find out if there is lead in the composition of the candle, rub the tip of the wick against a piece of paper. If it leaves a gray trace, like a simple pencil, it means that it has a lead core. If the candle has already been lit, then take apart part of the wick and see if there is a metal rod.

Transparency. If the candle is transparent, it is made of glycerin and is not dangerous to health.

Fragrance. A candle made of paraffin has no odor, and, for example, made of beeswax has a natural fragrance.

Tactile sensations. Paraffin candles feel greasy to the touch, like soap, while wax candles are slightly rough.