Cozy Carcinogens: The Truth About Candles
The amount of money I used to spend on Bath and Body Works fall candles is embarrassing. I used to be that girl. Candles do create coziness for sure, but once I realized that they were releasing carcinogens into my home, I knew it was time to part with my candle collection. Now, I can't even smell one let alone light one without a massive headache and watery eyes.
What I've realized is that a cozy atmosphere isn’t really that cozy if I'm being poisoned at the same time. There are plenty of other ways to create a seasonal and comfy atmosphere without burning carcinogens! Maybe you think I’m being dramatic, but hear me out and check out the resources at the end of the post.
PARAFFIN WAX
Candles from places like Bath and Body Works, Yankee Candle, dollar stores, Target, etc, need to be avoided at all costs. The main danger of these candles is the paraffin wax used. Paraffin is a petroleum waste product and when it is burned, it creates up to twenty toxins, two of them being benzene and toluene which are known carcinogens! The soot from paraffin candles gives off the same soot as the exhaust of a diesel engine. Yikes!
SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE
On top of the paraffin wax being extremely dangerous to our health, chemical-filled fragrances and synthetic dyes may be even worse.
Fragrance is a "Trade Secret" ingredient meaning that ingredients do not have to be disclosed! Whenever you see something with the ingredient "fragrance", "perfume" or even "natural fragrance"- that's a code word for a cocktail of dangerous chemicals. Avoid anything with these ingredients at all cost- candles included! Fragrance companies can put whatever chemicals they want into the fragrance and have absolutely no requirements to disclose those toxins. These fragrances contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and much, much more. Read more about the dangers of synthetic scents in this article from Dr. Axe.
LEAD WICKS
Many candles also contain lead in the wick which releases an amount of lead into the air higher than the declared "safe" amount by the EPA. Lead is dangerous to all parts of the body and it is so important to keep out of your home and out of your lungs. It’s just not worth it!
What are the ALTERNATIVES?
Now that we know these candles we once thought were cute and cozy are actually wreaking havoc on our health, we’re left wondering what can be used instead. You can break free of your candle obsession while still being able to maintain a cozy space!
Organic Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are my candles of choice. Their deep golden yellow color and faint honeyed scent creates a cozy atmosphere all year round. Beeswax actually does the opposite of paraffin candles- it purifies the air. When burned, beeswax releases negative ions that attach to positive ions (like dust, mold, and other unwelcome particles in our homes) thus cleansing the air! Check out your local farmers market for beekeepers selling candles or beeswax in bulk to DIY your own. Or you can purchase our hand-dipped beeswax candles made right here on the Calico and Twine homestead!
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great alternative to scented candles. Not only do they smell amazing, but they are amazing for you! By purchasing quality, clean, pure, and organic oils, you can create amazing scents combinations for any mood. You can even make your own candles and use essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance! (I purchase my essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs)
Himalayan Salt Lamps
Himalayan salt lamps are another way to create a cozy atmosphere. I’ve never gotten into these myself but I have always heard great things from those who use them. They are said to purify the air and ease stress and anxiety. Just made sure you are purchasing an authentic one!