Tuesday 7 October 2008

Read This Before You Burn Your Next Candle

Most candles are made from paraffin, a by-product of the crude industry. Many are toxic when burned and many are scented with poisonous synthetic oils, with the claim to freshen our air. Fumes from paraffin wax showed to cause kidney and balder tumors in lab animals.


Some paraffin candles still have lead core wicks. Particles of lead do volatilize during candle burning. All the lead that is inhaled gets into the bloodstream. Lead can damage the central nervous system, reproductive system, and kidneys.


The black soot that candles products is as harmful to our health as tobacco smoke. The particles are microscopic and can penetrate into our lungs. The soot includes neurotoxins, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins.


Many candle makers are increasing the amounts of artificial fragrance oils in their wax mixtures. When anything has the word "artificial" on the label, it means it is not natural, rather man made. These candles can release chemicals including such as acetone, benzene, and chlorobenzene, just to name a few. Many these chemicals are stored in the fat of the body over time where they damage DNA.


So which candles are safe?


Beeswax candles with cotton wicks are probably your safest choice. These candles are natural, non-toxic, non-polluting, and non-allergenic. These candles are made from flowers by honeybees, and are natural, uniquely non-toxic, and non-allergenic.


Pure beeswax is actually healthy when burned, producing negative ions that actually clean our air of odors, pollens, smoke, viruses, mold, dust, dust mites, and other allergens. Make sure the candle is 100 percent beeswax. Some may label the candle as a beeswax candle when in fact, it may only contain 10 percent beeswax. Read your labels!


Soy wax candles are also safe to use. These candles are made primarily from soybean oil. Soy candles are very clean and do not give off oily soot. Many soy candles burn even longer than most paraffin candles.


Make sure that whichever candle you choose, that the label always states that the wick is 100 percent cotton.


Heather Zell is a natural health advocate and educates consumers about healthy living. Her website is http://www.naturalteacher.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Zell