Warning: Candles May Be Hazardous to Your Health
source: http://3blmedia.com/theCSRfeed/Warning-Candles-May-Be-Hazardous-Your-Health#
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No matter what time of year it is, I love burning candles. But did you know many candles may be unsafe? And, no, I’m not talking about the potential fire hazard…
What’s in your candle?
Paraffin is the predominant wax used in the candle industry. Why? Simple. Paraffin is very inexpensive. It is basically the “bottom of the barrel” final byproduct in the petroleum refining chain…even after asphalt is extracted. Petroleum sludge, if you will. Mmmmm.
Love the idea of breathing that in.
Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are natural and renewable.
Why does it matter?
Bottom line: paraffin creates indoor air pollution. The soot given off from the burning of paraffin candles is the same as that given off by burning diesel fuel.
Some of the air contaminents in paraffin fumes include toluene, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and naphthalene—substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that benzene and toluene are probably human carcinogens.
These “emissions” can also leave dark shadows (ghosting) or soot on the walls, furniture and in the heating and cooling system.
What about scented candles?
Most oils used in scented candles are petroleum-based synthetics and not the natural plant-derived essential oils. The American Lung Association says, “refrain from burning scented or slow burning candles that have additives.”
What’s so great about beeswax candles?
http://3blmedia.com/theCSRfeed/Warning-Candles-May-Be-Hazardous-Your-Health#
What’s in your candle?
Paraffin is the predominant wax used in the candle industry. Why? Simple. Paraffin is very inexpensive. It is basically the “bottom of the barrel” final byproduct in the petroleum refining chain…even after asphalt is extracted. Petroleum sludge, if you will. Mmmmm.
Love the idea of breathing that in.
Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are natural and renewable.
Why does it matter?
Bottom line: paraffin creates indoor air pollution. The soot given off from the burning of paraffin candles is the same as that given off by burning diesel fuel.
Some of the air contaminents in paraffin fumes include toluene, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and naphthalene—substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that benzene and toluene are probably human carcinogens.
These “emissions” can also leave dark shadows (ghosting) or soot on the walls, furniture and in the heating and cooling system.
What about scented candles?
Most oils used in scented candles are petroleum-based synthetics and not the natural plant-derived essential oils. The American Lung Association says, “refrain from burning scented or slow burning candles that have additives.”
What’s so great about beeswax candles?
http://3blmedia.com/theCSRfeed/Warning-Candles-May-Be-Hazardous-Your-Health#
