I was surfing the Internet recently and came across an article that blew my mind. The title caught my attention. The headline basically says incense candles are toxic. Under the double chin will be surprised, as a user and lover of scented candles, after all, heard all the propaganda is: plant raw materials, natural, environmental protection, organic, smokeless… And so on. I never imagined that when I lit a favorite incense candle, in addition to the home filled with vanilla, peach and fruit trees and other happy smell, it was also secretly “poisoning” me. I read the article and shared it with my friends who love incense candles, telling them that although incense candles can bring a good atmosphere, they should not be overdone. Then, a few days later, I did some research and found that most of the arguments in these articles didn’t have any research or solid experimental results to back them up. So I’ve decided that before we throw away all those lovely (and expensive) candles, we should do some proper homework.
Candles contain lead.
The presence of lead in candles is one of the main dangers, or triggers, mentioned when talking about candles. The article says that people buy candle wicks made of lead, which release harmful (carcinogenic) chemicals in your home when lit. However, this is not entirely true. Lead wire for candle wicks has not been available for many years, both at home and abroad. The leads used to be made of lead to make the wick harder. If you want to check for lead, take an unlit candle wick and scribble on white paper. If it leaves a pencil gray mark, it’s lead. If it doesn’t, you’re sure.
Harmful chemicals released when scented candles are burned with wax.
Since there is no problem with the wick, what about the wax, is it really harmless as advertised? In fact, candles are usually made from paraffin wax or soy wax, both solid, and used as fuel for candle flames. Researchers have previously claimed that paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals, such as toluene. However, the study was soon discredited by the authorities. There is no scientific evidence that paraffin wax, soy wax, or other types of candle materials may be harmful to burn. In fact, in an effort to combat the perception that wax is bad for you, the International Candle Council sponsored a study of paraffin, soy, palm and beeswax to see what chemicals they release when lit. The study found that all of the ingredients commonly seen on the list of widely used candle ingredients are burned in a very similar way, all of the waxes produce nearly the same combustion products and are safe to use in candles. When candles burn, they produce mainly carbon dioxide, water and fragrance (if you’re burning a scented candle), as well as any other chemicals produced while burning, in concentrations too low to pose any serious health threat.
