There are few things as nice as the ambiance created by a candle burning nearby. Candles have been used throughout history for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic and ritualistic purposes.
Over the past few years, some concerns have been raised about burning candles and health. Here is everything you need to know.
Candles are made of several components, and there are a few that we’ll consider here.
Wax
The first one is the wax itself. Historically, candle wax has been made from many things, from whale fat, to tallow, to cinnamon, to soy, beeswax, and primarily nowadays, paraffin. Most of the big name candle companies use paraffin wax to manufacture their candles. Paraffin burns well, and has the best “hot throw” – the ability of the wax to release the scent of the fragrance contained while the candle is burning. A few health concerns have been raised over recent years however with regard to burning paraffin wax, especially indoors.
Paraffin wax first became widely available in the mid 19th century, and was made from distilling either coal, or the residue, or “sludge” left over after refining crude oil. Paraffin wax burns well in candles, but the combustion is incomplete. This is where the black soot that typically coats the inside of the candle jars made with paraffin wax comes from. This soot also escapes the jar and makes its way around the room and home where the candle is burning. “Dirty House Syndrome” is a phenomenon that has been attributed to soot deposits on walls, ceilings, draperies, etc. If it’s settling there, it’s likely settling on you, and inside your lungs as well. A 1999 study of candle safety showed that some types of candles produce 100 times more soot than others, and according to OSHA, “Pure paraffin wax is widely regarded as non toxic, but may possess some carcinogenic properties.”
Wicks
There are two basic classifications of wicks in the candle making industry, non-cored wicks and cored wicks. Non-cored wicks are usually made from braided cotton and paper fibers. These are generally regarded as “safest.” Cored wicks can be a different story. The core can be made of many things, such as paper or metal. Paper does not pose safety concerns, but metal can. While the US candle manufacturing industry voluntarily agreed to cease production of lead-containing wicks in 1974, industry data shows that roughly 40 percent of candles purchased in the US are imported. The locations they come from are varied, but many don’t have the same quality control measures as are observed here. According to the EPA, “Candles with lead wicks have the potential to generate indoor airborne lead concentrations of health concern. It is also possible for consumers to unknowingly purchase candles containing lead wick cores and repeatedly expose themselves to harmful amounts of lead through regular candle-burning.”
Most paraffin based candles manufactured in the US are made with zinc-cored wicks, “since the metal provides the desired amount of stiffness, burns off readily with the rest of the wick, and does not have the same toxic effects as lead. Zinc is an essential element for human health. However, inhaling large amounts of zinc (as zinc dust or fumes from smelting or welding) over a short period of time (acute exposure) can cause a disease called metal fume fever. Very little is known about the long-term effects of breathing zinc dust or fumes.” (from EPA)
Fragrance Oil
While a smaller percentage of the candle, fragrance oil can pose a concern as well. Some fragrance oils contain phthalates,which are chemicals used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity). In candles, phthalates are used to promote the spread of fragrance through the air. Unfortunately, they are associated with hormonal abnormalities, reproductive problems, and birth defects. While both the U.S. and Europe have imposed laws against phthalates in children’s toys (since they are put in the mouth) there are no rules against phthalates in candles, so if your candle doesn’t explicitly state that it is phthalate free, it’s best to assume that it’s not.
Other Additives
Other substances are frequently added to candles for various reasons. Dyes and pigments are added for aesthetic qualities. Stearic acid, and a chemical called Vybar are frequently added to paraffin wax to give it some of the qualities of the more expensive waxes, like soy. Large manufacturers typically use these so that can charge a higher price for a candle containing a lower quality wax. The American Lung Association has made its position on candle additives public (below).
Conclusion
The American Lung Association recommends the following tips to minimize candle pollution in your home:
- Because many scented and slow burning candles may contain metals, consumers should look to see if the core of the wick is shiny metal. If you see metal, do not burn, or check with the manufacturer.
- When you do burn candles, keep the wicks cut short to one-quarter of an inch.
- The longer the wick, the larger the flame, the brighter the candle, the more the soot.
- Keep candles away from drafty places. Wind will blow soot and toxins into the air and cause inefficient burning, a cause of smoking or sooting.
- Do not shake or tip candles because the candle can smoke and send soot into the air to land on walls, carpets and furniture.
- Keep candles in places away from children and pets. Besides fire hazard, small children and animals may accidentally disturb a candle, causing it to smoke and release soot.
- Refrain from burning scented or slow-burning candles that have additives. Look for candles, such as beeswax, that do not contain high levels of pollutants.
- Keep your home clean. Vacuuming may just recirculate particles unless you use high-performance vacuum bags that catch micro particles.
There are many elements of a candle that can affect indoor air quality, and even safety. At Bowered and Bare, all of our candles are made using only soy wax – a renewable, US grown resource that does not release the oily soot associated with paraffin wax. Our wicks are flat cotton, braided with thin paper threads that gives the wick a rigid structure without the need for a core. The fragrance oils that we use are free from phthalates. If a fragrance oil states that it contains phthalates, or doesn’t disclose whether or not it does, we will not use it in our candles.
We wouldn’t burn any other candles in our own home.
If you have questions about anything we make, would like any additional information or a custom order, please do not hesitate to contact us.
References:
Consumer Affairs – 10 Candle Tips for Consumers
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