Recently, I have developed an obsession with candles. I have a candle on the stove, on the kitchen table, on the countertops, and in the bedroom. I love lighting one each night and smelling the cinnamon or lavender or whatever scent I have chosen, spread through the house. But after reading an article in October’s edition of Women’s Health magazine, I might need to consider pulling back on my candle lighting.
Women’s Health published an article titled ‘Beat Bad Air Days’ and it featured common household items that can pollute the air inside your house. Candles were number one on the list. Turns out, “paraffin candles emit chemicals that are linked to liver damage, neurological problems, and leukemia (page 76). Say what? Even more- the black soot that is released each time you light that wick, could be damaging your lungs and heart tissue.
So do I throw all my candles away and go for the plastic candles with LED lights to achieve that cozy ambiance? That was one suggestion from Women’s Health, but another was buying soy candles. Soy candles burn at a slower rate and emit less soot than the regular paraffin counterparts. I now have soy candles on my shopping list, and you may want to consider going the healthy-air route too!
Information from: Women’s Health Magazine, October 2010 Edition, by Katherine Bowers/page 76.
You can also look into Scentsy. Since there is no flame or burning, the only thing that goes into the air is the scent. It’s great for people with Asthma and allergies. I too am addicted but to Scentsy 😀
I suggest Scentsy!!! No joke, and not trying to get your business (although it would be great to have!) Scentsy is a very safe alternative to candles. It warms the SAFE wax! I have a blog post on my Scentsy blog, that tells how Scentsy works, and what it is. You should check it out!!! http://rmcertifiedscentsyconsultant.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-is-scentsy.html
You can make a purchase at http://LittleMomma.Scentsy.us or you can enter my raffle at http://www.facebook.com/RM.LittleMomma and try to win free Scentsy. I LOVEEEE candles!!! Id hate to see a fellow candle lover have to give them up like I almost did!
My BF has terrible asthma, so we try to avoid burning incense or candles, but I had no idea that regular candles were so bad. Of course, I did set a rug on fire once trying to blow out a candle. Oops!
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Thanks for the Scentsy recommendations! Those look awesome! And Stephanie- setting a rug on fire?! You silly girl!
Sigh, I know! I’m a human hazard! 🙂