Do You Love Scented Candles? 3 Ways They Could Be Harming Your Health

Do you start each morning by lighting a scented jar candle while enjoying your first cup of coffee or tea? While this seems like a great way to kick start your mental health, you may be causing damage to your physical health. Here are some ways your scented candle could be harming your body:

Most Candles Are Made From Paraffin

One of the primary ingredients in scented candles is paraffin. This is a substance made from petroleum, which can contain carcinogenic substances. This non-renewable resource can cause small amounts of toxins into the air of your home which can aggravate anyone who has asthma or other breathing problems.

Some Wicks May Emit Soot

Wicks can also pose a significant health risk by emitting soot into the air. You may have noticed that some candles leave a black, soot-like material on the inside of the jar as they burn. This soot is also being placed in your home as well. This is especially true for cored wicks, which are made with cotton and wrapped around a metal core.

Fragrances Contain Harmful Chemicals

The fragrances that give off some of your favorite scents may be full of chemicals that are not very good for your health. Some of the chemicals found in fragrances include acetone, ethanol, and benzyl acetate. These can cause headaches, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

Fortunately, you don't have to get rid of your candles altogether. There are some other candle alternatives and safe ways to scent your home.

• Use unscented candles. You can fill a hurricane vase with natural items like cloves, coffee beans, or anise. Then you can nestle an unscented pillar candle inside. The heat that comes from the candle will create a subtle scent of the natural material.
• Use soy-based candles. These are created with natural materials and can be found in a variety of styles and scents.
• Check the wick. Look for a wick made with a braided wick rather than a metal or paper based wick.
• Be sure to trim the wick. The higher the wick, the more soot you risk in your home.

Candles are a great way to create calm and serenity in your home. Be sure that you are choosing candles from an organic resource that will burn cleanly. You can find candles with wooden wicks that are safer than those with a traditional wick. This will keep you, your family, and your home happy and healthy.