Candles Can be as Harmful as Secondhand Smoke
One thing that many people miss when they switch to a natural lifestyle is candles. As innocent as they seem, most candles in the store are a source of indoor air pollution. The chemicals that are put off by synthetic candles are considered as harmful as secondhand smoke.
The Dangers of Synthetic Candles
Most candles are made from paraffin wax which is a petroleum waste product. It has to be deodorized and chemically bleach before it's made into wax. When the wax is burned it puts off highly toxic carcinogens (benzene and toluene), the same chemicals found in diesel fuel fumes. Most scented candles are made with wicks that contain heavy metals like lead. Many use artificial scents and dyes, which release even more chemicals.
A List of Chemicals that are in Most Scented Candles:
Acetone, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, and Cyclopentene.
Now that you're angrily throwing all your candles out, here's the good news. Switching to using a diffuser with essential oils not only makes your house smell good but it also provides numerous health benefits.
Essential Oils & Their Health Benefits:
Lavender oil & peppermint oil: Migraine/headache relief
Eucalyptus oil: Reduce a cough
Bergamot oil, grapefruit oil, or peppermint oil: Improve concentration
Peppermint oil & cinnamon oil: Curb food cravings
Peppermint oil: Energize your workout
Fennel oil, ginger oil, or peppermint oil: Colon health
Juniper oil, lemon oil, or helichrysum oil: Kidney health
Cedarwood oil, ginger oil, or peppermint oil: Lymph support
Lemon oil or orange oil: Liver
On Guard Blend, oregano oil, or tea tree oil: Anti-microbial
Holy basil oil: Stress and anxiety