It is a petroleum derivative used by most candle manufacturers because it’s a cheap wax. When burning, candles release this toxic substance, which is just as harmful as second hand smoke. Asthmatics should be particularly cautious when nearby these toxic candles, due to the respiratory troubles it may cause.

Melted paraffin discharges fumes that are alike to those of a diesel engine. They fill up the air with carcinogenic chemicals. Carcinogens such as benzene and toluene are released into the air from melted paraffin and can cause headaches to lung cancer.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health advises you to limit your exposure to paraffin wax fumes. Many researches shown that paraffin vapors causes tumors in the liver and kidneys.

There are around 20 toxins in paraffin candle wax, such as: acetone, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene.

Moreover, the artificial scents and colors found in the scented candles may lead to experiencing allergic reactions.

Scented candles like Glade and Febreeze candles and cheap “aromatherapy” should be avoided. Also, gel candles have the same petrochemicals as paraffin, but they pose one more danger from their glass containers occasionally exploding.

Try to avoid inexpensive candles from the Dollar Store because they are usually imported and may have lead wicks.

Here is what you can buy instead:

Soy candles

They replace paraffin candles and that is one of the main reasons why they are so popular. Soy candles burn clean, longer than paraffin candles and are soot-free. The negative side of these candles is they will spoil without a preservative and very often contain bleach and hardeners. Also, soy is the most genetically modified crop in the USA.

Beeswax candles

You can find beeswax candles in all shapes and sizes, molded and in containers.

The good thing about them is that they don’t contain toxins, they are soot-free meaning they don’t cause allergies, burn the brightest, burn cleaner and burn 5 times longer than paraffin candles. On the plus side, beeswax candles omit negative ions into the air when burned, and energize the body.
Beeswax candles are much more expensive than paraffin candles, but they can be easily made.

Source : http://www.instantlivingmagazine.com

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