Last year, candle sales in Australia surged, with online retailer Adore reporting an increase of 105 percent, according to a News.com.au report.
Candles can indeed create cozy spaces and add warmth to your home. When it comes to scented candles, the debate revolves around finding high-quality options that are both good for your health and the home environment.
Some people prefer to buy from reputable online sources like calliescloset.com.au, which offers great quality scented candles. It’s essential to choose candles made from non-toxic materials and natural fragrances to ensure a positive and healthy ambiance in your home.
Natural vs. synthetic scents
Note that both natural and synthetic scents can have health effects if you’re sensitive to smells. That’s because the fragrances used in scented candles, even those branded as natural, contain chemicals. Luckily, you can prevent the side effects of scented candles by learning how to burn candlesticks properly. As a general rule of thumb, always cut candle wicks to an eighth inch before burning them. This trick prevents the flame from becoming too hot to cause a smoke trail. Also, burn your scented candlesticks in a well-ventilated room for a few hours.
Wick toxicity
Candles designed with lead wicks and other metallic substances increase the risk of poisoning when burned in closed rooms. Fortunately, candle manufacturers no longer rely on metals to make candle wicks. However, anything that burns releases carbon and soot. When inhaled, soot particles produced by candle wicks cause respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma. To avoid the health effects of candle smoke, consider lighting candles with wooden wicks. Wood wicks emit clean flames while producing the soothing sound of a crackling fire, hence creating a perfect ambiance for relaxing.
Type of candle wax matters
Paraffin wax and synthetic scents in candles release volatile organic compounds, like benzene and formaldehyde. These compounds are known to cause headaches, nausea, liver damage, and cancer. Even paraffin waxes without dye or fragrances emit harmful compounds like toluene. Lighting candles made with soy wax, beeswax, palm, or coconut wax, is an excellent way of reducing indoor air pollution caused by paraffin wax candles. Because natural candle waxes contain zero synthetic fragrances, they don’t release VOCs.
Burning scented candles is a great way to create an inviting space. But this practice could harm your health significantly. Most candles, especially those made with paraffin waxes, contain synthetic dyes and fragrances, which emit toxic chemicals that cause respiratory problems like asthma. To prevent health complications caused by candles, consider lighting those made of natural waxes like beeswax, soy wax, and palm wax. Also, invest in candles made with wood wicks as they produce less soot.
