Dilo Candles are considered non-toxic because they are made from natural and eco-friendly materials. They are primarily made from soy wax, which is a vegetable-based wax that is completely safe for burning at home. While the company doesn’t explicitly state that their candles are non-toxic, the materials they use are generally considered safe. However, any candle should be used with care and proper ventilation since burning any substance can release small amounts of pollutants. Remember, “non-toxic” does not mean “no potential for harm,” especially in the case of allergies or sensitivities to specific fragrances.
What Is Poisonous in Candles?
Candles can certainly set the mood in any space, but they may also carry some risks that you need to be aware of. In fact, not all candles are created equal – some contain poisonous ingredients that can be dangerous to your health. The substances that can be harmful in candles include beeswax, paraffin wax, and man-made (synthetic) wax.
Beeswax is a natural wax made by bees and is often used in candles because of it’s natural fragrance. Both of these chemicals have been linked to cancer and can be very harmful to your health if you’re exposed to them for prolonged periods of time.
Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a petroleum-based wax that’s commonly used in candles because of it’s affordability and it’s ability to produce a consistent burn. When paraffin wax is burned, it can release toxic chemicals such as toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde – all of which can be harmful to your health. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that’s been linked to various types of cancer, so it’s important to avoid candles that contain this ingredient.
Man-made or synthetic waxes are often used in candles because they burn longer than other types of wax. However, these types of waxes can also release toxic chemicals such as acrolein and acetaldehyde, which can irritate the eyes and respiratory system. Acrolein is a potent lung irritant and has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Similarly, acetaldehyde is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Beeswax candles can be a good choice if you prefer a natural wax, but it’s important to make sure that they’re 100% pure and don’t contain any additives. Soy candles are also a good choice, as they’re made from renewable resources and don’t release any toxic chemicals when they’re burned.
How to Choose Safe Candles for Your Home
Choosing safe candles for your home involves looking for natural ingredients such as soy or beeswax, avoiding paraffin wax candles, selecting candles with lead-free wicks, and opting for unscented or phthalate-free scents to minimize health risks. It’s also important to ensure the candle is placed on a stable surface and never left unattended while lit.
It’s no secret that candles are a popular household accessory, but concerns have been raised about their safety. While scented candles have been found to emit potentially harmful vapors and particles, studies have shown that the risk to your health from typical candle use is minimal. So, are candles safe from toxins? Let’s take a closer look.
Are Candles Safe From Toxins?
Candles have been used for centuries for their soft, ambient light and pleasant fragrance. However, concerns about the safety of candles have arisen in recent years, with some studies suggesting that candles may release harmful toxins into the air. One of the main concerns with scented candles is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate at room temperature and are found in a variety of household products, including paints, cleaning agents, and scented candles. Exposure to high levels of VOCs has been linked to a variety of health concerns, including respiratory problems and headaches.
Burning candles can produce small particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. Inhaling high levels of these particles has been linked to respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. However, research suggests that the levels of particulate matter released by candles are generally low, and the risk of harm is minimal for most people.
One potential risk associated with candles is the use of lead-containing wicks.
However, like with any household product, it’s important to use candles properly and in a well-ventilated space. If you’ve concerns about the safety of candles, consider opting for unscented, natural wax candles or using alternatives, such as essential oil diffusers or beeswax candles, which are believed to produce less harmful emissions.
Source: Are Scented Candles Toxic or Harmful to Your Health?
Given the potential risks associated with Bath & Body Works candles, it’s important to understand what they’re actually made of. Unfortunately, the ingredients list is far from reassuring – many of these popular scented candles contain chemicals that are known to be toxic or harmful to human health. If you’re a big fan of these candles, you may want to think twice before lighting them up.
Are Bath &Amp, Body Works Candles Toxic?
Bath & Body Works is a popular American retailer that sells a range of personal care and home fragrance products including candles. The candles produced by the company come in a variety of scents and are adored by many, but there have been concerns raised about their toxicity levels. Most of the popular scented candles from Bath & Body Works contain ingredients that are potentially toxic or harmful. These include paraffin wax, formaldehyde, and phthalate.
Paraffin wax is often used in candles as it’s the cheapest and easiest to produce wax. However, it’s a by-product of petroleum that releases harmful chemicals such as benzene and toluene when burned. When inhaled, these chemicals can cause respiratory issues and even cancer. Formaldehyde is another ingredient that can be found in Bath & Body Works candles. It’s a known carcinogen and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals often used in scented products to help the fragrance last longer. They’ve been linked to hormonal disruptions, developmental problems, and even infertility. These chemicals aren’t only harmful to humans but can also negatively impact the environment. When these candles are burned, the chemicals they contain can be released into the air and have a negative impact both indoors and outdoors.
If you love buying candles but are concerned about the potential health risks, it’s worth considering alternative options. You could also opt for fragrance-free candles or essential oil diffusers, which don’t contain any harmful chemicals. Always read the label and know what you’re buying to minimize your exposure to toxins and ensure a healthier environment for yourself and your loved ones.
Other Popular Candle Brands and Their Ingredients
- Yankee Candle – paraffin wax, essential oils, fragrance oils
- Bath & Body Works – soy wax, essential oils, fragrance oils, dye
- Diptyque – natural wax blend, essential oils, fragrance oils, dye
- Nest Fragrances – soy wax, essential oils, fragrance oils, dye
- Voluspa – coconut wax blend, essential oils, fragrance oils, dye
- Jo Malone – mineral wax blend, essential oils, fragrance oils, dye
- L’Occitane – soy wax, essential oils, fragrance oils, dye
- WoodWick – soy wax, essential oils, fragrance oils, wooden wicks, dye
- NEOM Organics – vegetable wax blend, essential oils, fragrance oils, dye
While candles can add a cozy and calming atmosphere to any setting, it’s important to be mindful of the quality of the candles being used. Cheaper candles, often made from paraffin, may have negative health effects due to the materials used and their lower melting point. With this in mind, it’s worth examining the potential risks associated with low-cost candles and exploring alternative, healthier options.
Are Cheap Candles Bad for Your Health?
Candles have been a go-to source of lighting and relaxation since ancient times. In modern times, candles come in a plethora of scents, designs, and shapes, and they aren’t just limited to religious or emergency purposes. However, the industry has been criticized for using cheaper materials to mass-produce candles, especially paraffin wax. Paraffin wax candles tend to be cheaper, but are they bad for your health?
Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum and is used to make several products, including candles. However, when paraffin wax candles are burned, they release chemicals like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are known to cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and even cancer. The amount of VOCs produced by a candle depends on the type of wax and fragrances used to make it.
Many people choose cheaper candles to save money, especially if they frequently buy candles. However, for some candles, the cost could indicate the quality of the product. Cheaper candles may contain more formaldehyde-generating materials, have a lower melting point, and inconsistent wick quality. The burning of these materials could lead to the production and release of more harmful VOCs into the air.
Natural candles are usually made from vegetable wax like soy, beeswax, or plant-based wax blends that are significantly less harmful than paraffin wax. Natural candles are also sustainable and eco-friendly, which adds to their benefits.
When purchasing candles, look for labels that indicate that they’re made from natural materials, preferably fragrance-free or with essential oils. Choosing candles with natural materials and fragrances not only promotes better health but also supports local and eco-friendly industries that adhere to ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices.
The Impact of Candle Scent on Indoor Air Quality
- Many scented candles release harmful chemicals into the air
- The chemicals can cause respiratory problems and other health issues
- Air purifiers and natural scent sources like essential oils can be used as alternatives
- Careful selection of candles and proper ventilation can also help reduce the impact on indoor air quality
Conclusion
While crafting joyful moments in our lives, we don't have to compromise our health or the environment's well-being. By using Phthalate-free candles and wicks with no lead cores, we can indulge in the ambiance and sensory pleasure of candles without worrying about their potential harm. It’s a small but impactful step towards creating a sustainable world and a healthier lifestyle. Therefore, we should appreciate and advocate for brands like Dilo candles that prioritize the safety and health of their customers and the planet.