9:35 am
I am thinking I might switch Michael and my candles over to all natural ones from now on. I have been reading up on paraffin candles (which is what I make my own candles out of though we have some beeswax,) so out of my way I am on the researching warpath. (I like being informed and not taking just the word of some health nut.)
If you burn candles and are health conscious I really recommend you read all this stuff or at least gloss over it catching the bigger points.
I had completely forgot till present that paraffin is a petroleum bi-product so not only is it a nonrenewable resource it has things like acrolyn in it (a carcinogen.) If you want to get more technical then I usually am, parrafin also has:
Acetone - This is what is in a lot of nail polish remover and while it is not the most toxic of poisons but exposure to it can damage the mucosa of the mouth and can irritate and damage skin. The long-term effects of acetone exposure are really only known through animal studies (ick) which include kidney, liver, and nerve damage, increased birth defects. You are inhaling this when you burn a paraffin candle.
Benzene - Some more serious health effects here, very high (don’t worry about that from candles) levels of benzene can result in death but otherwise is can caise drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches and tremors. Again you are inhaling this toxin when you burn a paraffin candle.
Carbon disulfide 2 Butanone 1 1 - this is considered a toxic air contaminant.
Trichloroethane - When inhaled with can cause dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, or even unconsciousness.
Trichloroethene - Ok the EPA has tried to ban or severly limit public exposure to this one, need I say more?
Carbon tetrachloride - this stuff was formerly widely used in fire extinguishers and refrigeration, but now largely abandoned due to its toxicity. Exposure to high concentrations of carbon tetrachloride (including vapor) can affect the central nervous system, including the brain. Victims may feel intoxicated and experience headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea and vomiting. Yum.
Ethylbenzene - This is another lovely which is also used in the manufacturing of styrene and can cause respiratory effects, such as throat irritation and chest constriction, irritation of the eyes.
Not that you have to worry about any of these being in high enough concentrations in your burning candle (or in my case candleS) to cause immediate damaging effects but all these toxins are in one substance, paraffin. Its like cigarettes, it is just bad for you and if you burn candles as often as I do and for as long as I do, over years… well it makes me think twice.
The warlord charges…
Candle-making companies are not even required to tell you, the consumer what is in their product. Like those cheep candles made in China in the Dollar Store? They have lead in the wicks. Don’t worry though the US government has already banned the production of candles using leaded wicks so I suppose Made in America parrafin candles are slightly better for you (hmmm for some reason this does not make me feel a whole lot better.) Sometimes even mass made “natural” candles are only 50% natural wax and the rest is paraffin.
And Gel candles, I won’t even get started, can we say petroleum oil turned to jelly with a wick in it? And I don’t know about you but I feel like any spell I perform will be less affective when I use toxic substances, especially say, a healing spell?
So what are some good waxes for your candles? They do exist!
Soy and beeswax do not have toxins as well as various vegetable and palm waxes. These candles are pricier because on a whole they are only made by small business or by individuals for personal use (what I may end up doing.) These businesses can be found on the internet (with their own websites or on ebay) at flee markers or craft shows. Some of your local stores (I’m thinking New Age and local health food stores) may carry them. Look for sites that display the Healthy Candles logo.
I am not saying we should all throw away out paraffin candles and go natural (well I guess I kind of am…) but I just wanted to share my findings with you all more then anything. I am still going to use up the rest of my paraffin candles, I don’t expect to die immediately but after I feel I should might only natural wax and wicked candles.
I need to look into making my own beeswax candles (I only make paraffin ones at the moment), when I do I’ll make a tutorial for you all.
Peace.
