How to Choose a Safe Candle

Nearly everyone loves candles - especially if they smell good.
Flickering candles add beauty and create ambiance. Scented candles can set a mood - uplifting, homey or even sensual. But, did you know that according to the EPA, candles are a leading cause of indoor air pollution, may aggravate asthma, and can contaminate the air in your home with lead? That's right my friends, lead. So, while candles are a fairly inexpensive home décor accessory, there are some things to be aware of when purchasing them.

Metal Wicks - Know What You're Burning
Most candles out on the market today are made from paraffin wax (petroleum based), have metal wicks and are scented with synthetic fragrances. They may even have added stabilizers to control the way they burn. While these candles look and smell good they may actually be affecting your health and that of your family's. Candles such as these emit trace amounts of chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein and naphthalene. Studies by the EPA show that burning candles with lead core wicks exceeded EPA recommended thresholds.

Haven't lead wicks been banned, you ask?
Yes, they have - back in the 1970's. However, there are still candles found in the market that have lead cores - even some made in the USA. To be fair, the majority of candle manufacturers have signed the National Candle Association's pledge not to use lead wicks but, there are the unscrupulous that choose to ignore rules and regulations.

Most of the metal found in wicks is now Zinc.
This has raised some eyebrows and, in my humble opinion, why use any metal wicks when there are alternatives such as braided cotton or paper/cellulose core with cotton (side note: the purpose of a "core" in a wick is to prevent the wick from falling over and extinguishing itself). Avoid metal core wicks.

Wax is the major component of candles.
Paraffin wax, the most common found in candles, is cheap. It's also a petroleum by-product and produces soot when burned. There are now options readily available such as 100% beeswax or 100% vegetable or soy wax. Notice the 100% - beware of the label that states "soy wax candle" without reading the whole label - you may find that it says "contains 5% soy wax and 95% paraffin". Hold out for 100% percent. Vegetable/soy wax candles burn extremely clean and come from renewable resources. Beeswax is long burning and has a natural honey scent. Again, be aware of "blends" - look for the 100% beeswax label.

Ahhh, the scent of a candle.
It can instantly transform a room and create a desired mood. However, for many people it can also trigger headaches, stuffy noses and asthma attacks. There are plenty of manufacturers that make "aromatherapy" candles - they claim to calm and soothe. But, many of these candles contain synthetic fragrance oils, not true essential oils. The difference is that with synthetic oils you probably will get a stronger scent but you're also releasing formaldehyde and other chemicals into the air. Instead, choose candles that contain plant based essential oils. They're natural, usually don't trigger asthma and can truly have a therapeutic effect. I still don't understand the idea of a 100% soy wax candle scented with synthetic, lung-irritating fragrances. There are more and more manufacturers out there that make truly pure, safe candles - you just have to know what to look for.