An excerpt from the new, revised 2005 edition of Home Safe Home...

Candles

I didn't include candles in the last edition of this book because little was known about their dangers, though I haven't used paraffin candles in years, simply because they are made from petrochemicals. Since then, both candles have changed and more research has been done to establish their health effects.

Candle manufacturers are not required to list or disclose hazardous, toxic or carcinogenic compounds used as ingredients in their products or even place warning labels on their products regarding emissions.

The hazards are associated with three different kinds of candles.

Paraffin candles

Most candles, unless otherwise labeled, are made from paraffin, a by-product of the gasoline industry. They produce the same combustion by-products as any other burning petrochemical (see page currently 47), though in a lesser amount. Fumes from the paraffin wax itself have been found to cause kidney and bladder tumors in laboratory animals.

Some paraffin candles still have lead core wicks. According to preliminary tests, particles of lead (see page currently 60) do volatilize during normal candle burning. Simply breathing in small particulate matter can irritate and damage the lungs, causing breathing problems, in particular affecting those with asthma or some type of lung or heart disease. But even worse, preliminary wipe test results show 40mg of lead per sq. ft. in a home that burned a number of lead core wick candles, an astounding amount for a substance for which there is no safe level. 100% of lead that is inhaled is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Scented Candles

With the recent rise in popularity of aromatherapy, many inexperienced and amateur candlemakers have jumped into the manufacturing of candles to capitalize on their current popularity without the proper training or expertise.

Candlemakers are using increasing amounts of (often artificial) fragrance oils into their wax mixtures³some of which are not even suitable for combustion. Toxic chemicals that have been found in the combustion by-products of some scented candles include acetone, benzene, trichlorofluoromethane, carbon disulfide, 2- butanone, 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, xylene, phenol, cresol, cyclopentene, lead, carbon monoxide, soot, and particulate matter. In addition to producing toxic chemicals, these artificial fragrances do not offer the healing benefits found in the true essential oils used by experienced aromatherapy practioners.

Gel Candles

Gel candles are made from specially processed petrochemical mineral oils gelled with plastic polymers, poured into glass containers. You can recognize gel candles by the clearness of the gel (which is often colored), the rubbery texture, the glass container, and they often have "embeds" in them. Most gel candles are also scented with artificial fragrances, some highly so.

Because gel candles are made from the same petrochemicals and fragrances used to make paraffin candles, the hazards of burning them are similar. However, the greatest danger is that candles that are improperly made or have glass containers that are too thin tend to explode, with tragic consequences. Here are a couple of real life stories about the dangers of gel candles.

My former secretary had a gel candle burning in her bathroom...it exploded and caught her house on fire°and they lost everything. The fire Marshall told her that this is not the first incident where a gel candle has exploded and caused a fire. He said the gel builds up a gas and often times it explodes and sets fire to the room it is in. The fire was so hot it melted the smoke alarm. They didn't discover the fire until there was an explosion, which was her toilet blowing up, and then it was too late...the entire upstairs was engulfed in flames. Smoke damage and water damage have destroyed what wasn't destroyed by fire.

My husband had a gel candle lit on the top of the entertainment center. He saw the candle burst into flames. His first instinct was to blow the candle out... the gel from the candle splattered and went everywhere, including his face. He had first, second and third degree burns all over his face. The gel doesn't cool like wax does, so the bits that were still on his face continued to burn him. And you can't wipe the stuff off; it just rolls up and keeps burning.

It not worth taking the chance when there are safer candles available.

SAFE SOLUTIONS

Burn beeswax candles with cotton wicks. Their natural sweet honey fragrance is delicious. There are two types³solid, which are dipped or molded, and rolled, which are made from thin sheets of beeswax stamped with a honeycomb pattern. Some of the molded beeswax candles have hollow centers. The rolled and hollow candles do not burn very long, but the solid ones burn very well. These are available in some candle stores and most natural food stores, as well as on the internet. Beeswax candles are often bleached or tinted with artificial colors, so look for those that are their natural deep-honey color. Beeswax candles are more expensive than paraffin candles--to reduce the price, you can purchase sheets of beeswax at most craft stores and easily roll your own.

For the holidays, try bayberry candles. A New England tradition, they are made from bayberries, boiled in water to release their wax. Legend is, the burning of bayberry candles during the holiday season brings wealth and good luck to the household. Look for them made by a local candlemaker, in gift shops and catalogs from New England, and on the internet. Be sure to check that the candle itself is made from the wax of the bayberry plant, and it is not just "bayberry scented".

A recent development is "soy wax" candles, made primarily from soybean oil. Some candles are 100% soy, others are made from 90% soy oil, mixed with other plant ingredients such as corn and carnauba, Soy candles burn extremely clean and do not give off the oily soot that can leave a residue on walls and furniture, and aggravate asthma and other breathing problems. Soy candles will also burn about 25% longer than a similar paraffin candle. Because the makers of soy candles are often motivated by their concern for health, they generally use other natural ingredients as well, such as high quality natural essential oils for fragrance, and lead-free, unbleached cotton wicks. Soy candles are sold in gift shops, natural food stores, and on the internet.

If you want to burn scented candles, make sure they are authentic aromatherapy candles that are scented with real essential oils. If the label isn't clear about this, call the manufacturer before purchasing.

An excerpt from Home Safe Home by Debra Lynn Dadd.