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Nov 07 2009

Heard Burning Scented Candles In Your Home Is Harnful True Or No?

5 responses so far

5 Responses to “Heard Burning Scented Candles In Your Home Is Harnful True Or No?”

1. # daniel bon 07 Nov 2009 at 9:34 pm

   the very candles sometimes used for aromatherapy can cause serious health problems. The chief culprits are candles with wicks made with metal cores.
   “Some candle makers use metal-core wicks because cotton wicks are often limp and fall over into the wax, extinguishing the flame,” explains Jerome O. Nriagu, Ph.D., a professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor who has studied scented candles.
   Lead poisoning can lead to behavior changes and damage internal organs, especially the kidneys. Cathy’s husband, Kip, had his gall bladder removed because of an illness he blames on the candles.
   Metal Wicks
   Nriagu measured the lead released from 14 brands of candles. He found that burning four metal-wick candles for two hours can result in airborne lead concentrations that pose a threat to human health. People with weak immune systems, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk.
   “Besides breathing lead fumes, children can be exposed to even more lead that is deposited on the floor, furniture, and walls because they often put their hands in their mouths,” says Nriagu. After similar research in Australia, lead wicks in candles were banned there in September 1999. But despite the urging of experts like Nriagu, the candles are still legal in the United States.
   Not all candles — or even all scented candles — cause hazardous pollution. But since labels won’t tell which ones are safe, Astry and other candle experts offer this advice:
   Watch out for shiny metal wire inside the wicks of candles. Opt for pure paper or cotton instead.
   Keep wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch for more complete combustion, and keep candles out of drafts. Windiness blows more toxins into the air and causes inefficient burning.
   Watch out for slow-burning candles with additives. (These candles often feel greasy to the touch.) Instead, look for pure beeswax candles, which emit less pollution.
   For aromatherapy, put a few drops of scented oil in a defuser — a tray made to fit on a lightbulb. Or you can put the drops into some boiling water.
   Don’t use candles in jars when the candle leaves a soot ring on the jar’s lip. The soot may be an indication of lead dust.

2. # hazelleon 07 Nov 2009 at 10:18 pm

   The scents wouldn’t be harmfull but dont burn candles where theres no ventiliation. Also I know from experience that some candles turn walls black.

3. # chris jon 07 Nov 2009 at 10:41 pm

   The wicks on some candles contain lead. The oils in some can create a dark film settling around the area you burn it. I have had the best luck with the soy based candles. Nice scents too.

4. # BASon 07 Nov 2009 at 11:13 pm

   parafin candles are bad, I heard they are made with petrochemicals and contain the same stuff thats in cigarettes to make them burn longer.
   switch to beeswax or soy candles

5. # St Darling ♥s Panteraon 07 Nov 2009 at 11:47 pm

   There is growing concern about the effects of artificial or synthetic fragrances that are so common now in many candles. But the concentrations we breathe in under normal circumstances are so low it shouldn’t be a big risk. The natural vegetable waxes and beeswax are definitely better than parrafin. Parrafin candles are not good for you. Most candles you can get at the grocery, drugstore etc are all made with parrafin and most have lead wicks. If you really want the best for yourself and everyone in your home, spend a little more on soy or beeswax candles. Look also for those with essential oil based fragrances. There are many sources on the web, and this is also what I do for a living! Candles by Aroma Naturals and Ergo may be the best I’ve ever found. Island Soap Company also has unbelievably great beeswax candles with terrific Hawaiian scents. Visit http://www.everythingfragrant.com if you want to see our selection. Trim your wicks too. This will keep them from throwing smoke into the air! Enjoy your candles!

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