The thought of a hot bubble bath with candles and a good book are things that always encouraged me to relax and unwind. Unfortunately, my bubbles have burst the last few years as I’ve discovered that my candles and plug-in air fresheners are actually filling my home with toxic chemicals contributing to indoor air pollution. I’ve worked so hard to eat healthy and rid my body of toxins but the list of toxic culprits seems to be endless. Sigh!! Well, not to be discouraged, I’ve found some awesome options to replace the bad stuff. Let’s explore the science behind this important topic.
What to Avoid
1. Plug-In Air Fresheners
Most air fresheners are heat-activated scented gels that release a scent but also contain several troublesome chemicals. The worst offenders in these products are phthalates, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds.
According to a study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 86% of air fresheners tested contained phthalates. Phthalates, which are also found in many plastics, aerosol sprays, paints, pesticides, cosmetics, and fragrances, are hormone distruptors -- wrecking havoc on the endocrine system of the body.
The UK’s Public Health Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards has revealed that air fresheners frequently contain another toxic compound that is a well-known human carcinogen: formaldehyde. It has been linked to cancers of the nose and throat and is known to cause ongoing irritation of the throat and airways, potentially leading to dangerous infections, frequent nosebleeds, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
Plug-in air fresheners also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds form a gas or vapor at room temperature thus making them an excellent scent dispersal agent. Unfortunately, they too have been linked to an increased risk of asthma, particularly in children.
The other troubling ingredients that can be deceiving on the labels are listed as “fresh” or “fragrance” which can be made up of several potentially harmful chemicals. Wall plugin packaging in particular can be deceiving because manufacturers don't often include an ingredient list.
2. Parrafin Candles
Conventional scented candles are made with paraffin wax which is a petroleum waste product that creates highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned (both are known carcinogens). In fact, the toxins released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes and can be as dangerous as second-hand smoke.
Even though legislation in the USA banned lead in wicks in 2003, it is still present in some candles, particularly those imported. If there is lead in the wick, even just a few hours of burning them can release dangerous amounts of airborne heavy metals into your home through the candle soot. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and numerous other health problems.
Many candles also contain artificial scents and dyes, which release additional chemicals when burned. Again that “fragrance” word!
Fabulous Alternatives!
1. Essential Oils
Here are some ways to use them in your home.
Diffuse: There are several types of diffusers. The ultrasonic diffusers are the easiest and most economical to use. They use water and a few drops of essential oils to create a cool mist that releases the essential oils into the air. Most come with lights so make sure there is a separate switch for the lights and the mist. Heat diffusers heat an absorbing pad onto which you drop your essential oils, then a fan broadcasts the aroma. These are great for small rooms or on the go locations. Most run on batteries or have a USB port.
Here are some holiday blends to fill your home with scents of the season!
2. Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is a natural wax that is made by bees and collected from the hives by beekeepers. It is clean burning and has a light scent of honey. Beeswax candles are sometimes scented with essential oils for added scent. Be sure to buy 100% beeswax as some companies mix beeswax with regular paraffin. Sheets of beeswax can be purchased to roll into taper and pillar candles.
3. Soy Candles
Soy is another great option for candles. They burn clean with no harmful fumes and have a long burn time. I don’t recommend eating food with soy because almost all soy in North America is genetically-modified and many people have food intolerances to soy. I ultimately don’t love that I’m supporting a GMO product but it is a safe choice used in this way. Kind Candles is a wonderful candle making company with a great mission and I really love their candles. They smell amazing without even burning them! As with beeswax candles, avoid candles made with part paraffin.
Safe candlewicks should be made from pure paper or cotton.
4. Wax Warmers and Tarts
A new alternative are wax melts or tarts that are candles without a wick melted in the top of a wax warmer without water. As it heats, it releases the fragrance. You would want an electric warmer otherwise you will need a tea light which would be using a paraffin candle. Good options for tarts would be made from beeswax, coconut or soy and scented with essential oils or botanicals.