The Dangers And Health Risks Of Scented Candles

Scented candles are they safe safe for you and your family. Are their dangers and health risks that we don’t know about lurking around us when we burn them?  Sure many of us love that pleasant scent and aroma that surrounds the environment of your home when burning a scented candle and that soft light is very alluring. It’s home sweet home and we want the relaxing atmosphere of our favorite scent. They can add a hint of romance to a meal or when  you come home from a stressful day at work it is so relaxing to take a luxury bath with aromatic candles burning around the tub.  But there is some things that you need to know before lighting the scented candle. I just want you to be aware of the possible health risks to some scented candles and give you the fact. So sit back, relax, but don’t light that candle until you have heard my spill.

Due to the recent increased popularity of scented candles this has prompted concerns by consumers and public health officials about their emission products. According to the National Candle Association, sales are approaching $2 billion annually. The combustion of scented candles used by residents in poorly ventilated areas may raise indoor concentrations of combustion products.  The lack of data on candle emission prompted this research into the volitale, semi-votatile and particulate emission from scented candles and their potential health risks.

Use of scented candles many contribute significant quantities of pollutants to the indoor environment, especially soot, benzene and lead. Dozens of other compounds were identified in individual candles, but their contribution to occupant risks were not characterized in this limited data risk characterization. Please read the reports as according to  Lead Action News Click Here

According to scientist scented candles can be bad for your health. The smoke produced by many of them is laced with toxins linked to cancer, asthma and eczema. The occasional use of a candle is unlikely to do any harm, but we should avoid using them day after day in bathrooms and other poorly ventilated rooms, say the researchers.

The U.S. researchers burnt a range of candles in the laboratory and collected and tested the substances given off. This showed that those made of paraffin wax, the most common type, released potentially harmful amounts of chemicals such as toluene and benzene.

According to the American Chemical Society’s annual conference, some of the pollutants have been linked to cancer, while others could trigger asthma attacks or skin complaints. Most of those on sale in Britain, including many scented ones, are made of paraffin wax, a by product of the petroleum industry.

Beeswax and soy candles, which are more expensive, were given a clean bill of health in the tests.

The dangers from scented candles are much more potential to individuals that have allergies or asthma, and it might be wise to steer clear of any scented candle or sometimes it is just particular scents that trigger reactions.  It is also wise to burn them in well ventilated area, not to be left unattended, and make sure you buy candles that you are familiar with and are sure of the ingredients. Its better to be safe than sorry!

I hope this information has been helpful and you use it wisely. My suggestions is as long as you or anyone in your family is not sensitive to scented candles, I would advise that you buy the beeswax or soy based candles. Even if someone in your family can not tolerate any scent you can still enjoy burning unscented beeswax candles and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Remember to make sure that it is a well ventilated area and a good quality air cleaner and purifier will also be of great benefit to avoid many health issues and air quality issues. This will keep your family safe from any contaminants and air pollutants that surrounds us and we breathe in daily. If you can not tolerate the any type of candle scented or non-scenteed  but like the relaxing atmosphere a great safe alternative is the battery operated flickering candle. I use them myself and love the relaxing atmosphere that they provide.  So enjoy your home sweet home the natural way!

Quote of Day: Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent! – Calvin Coolidge

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Marla

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Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!