Who doesn’t love a good candle? However, not all candles are created equal, and choosing the right candles can have a significant impact on indoor air quality and most importantly overall health. In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the potential dangers associated with burning petroleum-based or fake candles. Natural alternatives like beeswax and soy candles offer a safer and cleaner burning option. Furthermore, if candles can have adverse effects on humans, they can certainly impact our pets health too. Some believe choosing not to burn candles at all is the best choice but if you must this blog will explore the importance of choosing the right candles and provide a guide to “safe” and “unsafe” options. Let’s see how we can keep our homes cozy but still healthy.
Pros and Cons of Candle Choices:
Safe Candles:
1. Beeswax Candles: A Natural and Timeless Option
Beeswax candles have been used for centuries and are celebrated for their natural properties and clean-burning qualities. Made from the wax of honeybees, they are a sustainable and eco-friendly choice.
–Pros:
- Non-Toxic: Beeswax candles are free from harmful chemicals and emit negative ions, which can help purify the air.
- Long Burn Time: Beeswax candles burn slower than most other types, making them cost-effective over time.
- Natural Honey Aroma: They emit a subtle, pleasant scent without added fragrances.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from a renewable resource, they are biodegradable and sustainable.
- Minimal Soot: They produce very little soot, keeping your home cleaner.
–Cons:
- Cost: Beeswax candles are often more expensive than soy or paraffin alternatives.
- Limited Scents: They usually don’t come in a wide variety of fragrances unless blended with essential oils.
- Color Variation: Natural beeswax candles typically come in shades of yellow, which might not suit every décor style.
Product Recommendation and Amazon Favorite:
- Candle by the Hour 80-Hour Vertical Candle, Eco-friendly Natural Beeswax with Cotton Wick – GREAT GIFT IDEA!
2. Soy Candles: Clean-Burning and Versatile
Soy candles are crafted from soybean oil and have become a popular alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Their versatility and eco-friendly qualities make them a favorite among candle enthusiasts.
-Pros:
- Clean Burn: Soy candles produce significantly less soot compared to paraffin candles.
- Long-Lasting: They tend to burn slower than paraffin, offering good value for money.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from a renewable resource, they’re biodegradable and more sustainable than petroleum-based options.
- Fragrance Retention: Soy wax holds fragrances well, providing a strong yet pleasant scent throw.
- Wide Range of Styles: Available in a variety of colors, shapes, and scents to match any home aesthetic.
-Cons:
- Soft Wax: Soy candles can be more prone to melting in warmer climates.
- Lower Flame Intensity: The flame tends to be softer, which may not create the same ambiance as beeswax or paraffin candles.
- Blends: Many soy candles are blended with paraffin, so look for labels stating 100% soy wax.
Product Recommendation and Amazon Favorite:
3. Flameless Candles:
Flameless candles are battery-operated and made to look like real candles, often with a flickering effect that mimics a natural flame. They are an excellent option for those who want the ambiance of candles without the risks associated with an open flame.
-Pros:
- Safety First: Perfect for homes with pets, children, or for areas where real candles might pose a fire hazard.
- Long-Lasting: They don’t burn out like traditional candles and only require occasional battery replacements.
- Low Maintenance: No melted wax, soot, or smoke to clean up.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for outdoor settings where wind could extinguish real flames, or for decorations that need to stay lit for hours.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Some models come with rechargeable batteries, reducing waste.
-Cons:
- Lack of Scent: Unlike soy or beeswax candles, they don’t fill the room with fragrance.
- Plastic Components: They are often made with plastic, which may not align with sustainable or natural living goals.
- Initial Cost: They can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional candles.
Product Recommendation and Amazon Favorite:
Unsafe Candles:
1. Paraffin Candles:
Paraffin candles are one of the most widely available and affordable options on the market. However, their petroleum-based origin are increasingly raising concerns about health and environmental impacts.
-Pros:
- Affordable: Paraffin candles are typically less expensive than beeswax or soy candles.
- Variety: They come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and fragrances, offering great versatility.
- Bright Flame: Paraffin candles produce a strong and steady flame, ideal for creating ambiance.
–Cons:
- Toxic Emissions: When burned, paraffin candles release harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene, which can impact indoor air quality.
- Soot Production: These candles produce black soot, which can stain walls, furniture, and decor.
- Non-Sustainable: Made from petroleum byproducts, paraffin candles are neither renewable nor biodegradable.
Pro Tip: If you love paraffin candles for their affordability, consider switching to candles with cotton or wood wicks and minimal added dyes to reduce soot and harmful emissions.
2. Gel Candles:
Gel candles are made from mineral oil and polymer resin, giving them a unique translucent appearance. They are often used for decorative purposes but come with significant safety and health concerns.
–Pros:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Their clear, glass-like finish allows for creative designs, such as embedding decorative items like seashells or flowers.
- Long Burn Time: Gel candles burn longer than paraffin or soy candles due to their dense consistency.
- Customizable: They can be poured into unique containers for a personalized look.
-Cons:
- Fire Hazard: Gel candles can overheat and ignite the container, posing a significant fire risk.
- Toxic Fumes: Like paraffin candles, gel candles release harmful chemicals when burned.
- Non-Sustainable: Made from non-renewable materials, they are not eco-friendly.
- Unpredictable Behavior: If improperly made, gel candles can explode due to trapped air bubbles.
Air purifier sensors have also been known to kick up exponentially when artificial and heavily fragranced candles are being burned.
Pro Tip: If you love the look of gel candles, consider flameless LED alternatives with similar visual appeal but none of the risks.
Here is a list of causes of concern:
Artificial candles, particularly those made from petroleum-based paraffin wax, may contain additives and synthetic fragrances that can disrupt hormonal balance when burned. These candles can release phthalates, which are chemicals commonly used as plasticizers and fragrance carriers, into the air. Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, meaning they interfere with the body’s hormonal system by mimicking or blocking the actions of hormones.
Exposure to phthalates has been associated with various health effects, including:
- Hormonal Imbalance: Phthalates can disrupt the normal functioning of hormones in the body, including estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.
- Developmental and Reproductive Effects: In adults, exposure to phthalates has been associated with reduced fertility, decreased sperm quality, and reproductive disorders.
- Endocrine-Related Disorders: Phthalate exposure has been implicated in the development of endocrine-related disorders which can disrupt the body’s metabolic processes and contribute to the development of chronic diseases over time.
- Thyroid Dysfunction: Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development, so disruption of thyroid function can have widespread effects on health.
Choosing the right candles is essential for maintaining indoor air quality, overall health and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Opting for natural options like beeswax or soy candles can provide a safer and cleaner burning experience, while avoiding paraffin and gel candles can help minimize health risks and environmental impact. By making informed choices, you can still create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home without compromising on safety or air quality.
So before you buy your next candle make sure you consider these factors when choosing the right candles for your health, fury friends included x
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the blog at no extra cost to you!
For some extra help purifying your indoor air quality make sure to check out our blog post on: Benefits of Snake Plants in Your Bedroom.
