Candle-lit cancer, the romantic way to pollute your body
A romantic dinner or a relaxing bubble bath with a hint of cancer in the air? The American Chemical Society has just broken my love affair with candles by announcing that paraffin candles build up carcinogens in a home. Paraffin based candles are your most common and can be found in any store throughout the U.S. Paraffin wax is a petroleum by-product which is why carcinogens are released when they are burned. The health risks increase when the candles are lit in an unventilated room such as that candlelit bath or romantically lit dining room. Last time I checked most people don’t light candles by a window since a gust of wind will either set your curtains on fire or turn your candles off, therefore any room with lit candles is a bad idea. Those with health problems such as asthma should be extra cautious since volatile compounds are released which may trigger reactions. If you rarely light candles then the health risks are minimal however if your affinity for candles is as profound as mine you’re in trouble! Candle makers aren’t required to list their ingredients or the components of those ingredients leaving the consumer without answers. Candles today aren’t the candles of our ancestors which by today’s terms were “organic”. Your cheaper candles have lead wicks and are made from toxic waxes, even your pricier Yankee Candles have refined paraffin in them. If you’re an avid candle user your safest choice is to begin using beeswax or soy candles. They are comparable in price to your high end candle retailers yet they are all natural and safe.
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