CANDLES: An Unlikely INDOOR AIR QUALITY VILLAIN

  This time of year, I had candles burning all the time...until I learned this.

In addition to cigarette smoking, candles provide another indoor pollution mechanism that is hard to replicate.

 Most commercially sold candles are made from Paraffin (petroleum based) and emit toxins and carcinogens like benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein and soot into the air.

 The ‘bargain' candles produced both here and overseas are even more dangerous.

 We would not consider burning a diesel engine in our living room, but Paraffin candles emit many of these same dangerous particulates. Gel candles are also petroleum-based, and therefore just as polluting.

If ambiance is your middle name, then candles are probably your best friends.

However, the only good options are made from either Soy

 http://www.soy-wax-candles.com/why-soy.html

...or Beeswax      http://www.candlebeefarm.com/ 

Of course, anything you burn will create smoke, but burning soy and beeswax does not emit those same toxic chemicals.

Real soy and beeswax candles should be clearly marked but exercise caution. Some manufacturers destroy the benefits of beeswax and soy by adding... you guessed it... petroleum-based Paraffin.

It is also important to buy candles with a cotton or paper wick. Shiny wire wicks can contain metals like zinc and lead.

One alternative to burning the high-polluting aromatic and scented candles

... is to create a ‘scented soup'.

Bring a few cups of water in a saucepan to a mild simmer, uncovered.

Add a tablespoon of cinnamon,

...a teaspoon of whole cloves, a teaspoon of vanilla,

...some orange peel

Or any other aromatic spice you particularly like. After an hour or so last night's fish dinner will be nothing more than a memory.

Breathe easy and enjoy life all you can.