Candles
I love burning candles, especially on cooler fall and winter days. I know I'm not alone in my love for candles. Many people enjoy burning candles because they bring a sense of light, warmth, and coziness. For that reason, candles are very inviting and are frequently used for special events such as weddings, dinners, and romantic dates.
Candles usually smell nice too, giving them an extra added appeal. When you can purchase a large candle at Walmart for only $5.00, why not? Two of my favorite stores to shop in are Walmart and Dollar Tree because both stores sell groceries and other items for a good price. Dollar Tree has small candles for around a $1.00.
My mom really enjoys Yankee Candle and Bath and Body Works candles. Those companies make some amazing smelling candles! I enjoy those too, but they usually cost more, so I rarely purchase them.
Most candles today are made with something called paraffin wax. Years ago, I wouldn't have cared what a candle was made from as long as it smelled nice and was a decent price. But more recently, I discovered something about candles made from paraffin wax.
What is paraffin wax?
A simple, Google search will reveal that paraffin wax is a soft, colorless solid, that comes from petroleum.
Petroleum is found in things like gasoline and diesel fuel - not good things to be breathing in. Yet, people breath those toxins in when they burn candles made from paraffin wax.
Kind of sad, isn't it?
A Google search about the dangers of paraffin wax could leave a person wondering if they are really that bad, but anything toxic can affect a person's health. The link below is another article that shares some of the health issues that can be caused by paraffin wax:
Awhile back, I was browsing through Walmart one day and stopped to smell their candles. I dearly wanted to put a "mulled cider" scented candle in my basket, especially since it was only $3.00, but I didn't because the candle was (as most candles are) made from paraffin wax. I didn't want to invite those toxins into our home to breathe in.
What kind of candles should people burn then?
I highly recommend burning beeswax or soy candles. Both of those are made from non-toxic wax, and beeswax candles actually help to purify the air they burn in.
Someone else reiterates this fact as well. (see picture below)
You can usually find beeswax candles for sale in health stores or online. I don't shop much in health stores because they are usually more expensive, but I do purchase small beeswax candles at a local, health store for a few dollars. They smell like honey!
We have a discount grocery store that I enjoy shopping in, and I recently found a nice candle made from soy wax for a good price there. If you have any discount stores where you live, you can sometimes find soy candles there for a good price!
If you feel slightly overwhelmed by this information because you have many regular, paraffin wax candles in your home right now, it's okay. The look on my mom's face when I shared this info with her was priceless!
Her response was: "Oh, Erin, check this candle for me, please!"
She smiled whenever I told her, "This one is good, Mom. It's made with soy wax."
I was given a lovely smelling, vanilla candle for my birthday awhile back, and it was made from paraffin wax. (from Bath and Body Works) I have burned them, and I have enjoyed them; but when they are gone, I probably won't purchase any more of their candles. The same is true of Yankee Candles. Though they smell wonderful, their candles are, sadly, made with paraffin wax.
There are some candles that use certain wax blends. Watch out for "wax blends" that contain paraffin wax.
The information shared shared here is simply to make you aware. There are many, great candles out there! Why not purchase candles that are much safer to breathe?
Your health is worth it.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and I have no medical training. The things I share on this blog are simple, practical things that I've learned help with good health.
Comments
Post a Comment