Why You Should Ditch Paraffin Wax Candles (The Hidden Dangers of Conventional Candles)
If you’re a candle lover, there is a good chance you burn candles every week, or for multiple hours at a time. We’re here to tell you that this small habit could be harming you and our planet.
At least, it is if your candles are made of paraffin wax.
Because the candle industry is not regulated by the FDA, it is up to candle producers to be responsible for ensuring that their product is clean, natural, and free of harmful toxins. However, most manufacturers are more concerned with cost-efficiency instead of protecting the health of their customers.
But don’t worry, we’re here to fill you in on why some candles are harmful & what to look for in order to ensure you’re purchasing candles that are healthy for both you and the planet.
THE DANGERS OF PARAFFIN WAX
Paraffin wax has been used in candles since 1867, in part, because of how affordable and easy-to-work-with the wax is. Paraffin wax also holds fragrances and colour very well, and it comes in various melting points making this the go-to wax for most candle makers.
However, paraffin wax has been discovered to have serious negative effects on our earth and even your health. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum, which we know is highly unsustainable and contributes to habitat destruction, climate change, and oil spills. This wax also leaves behind a residue in the environment after burning and emits toxic fumes when it comes in contact with the air, which pollutes the air in your home (scary, right?).
Do you remember being taught not to breathe in exhaust from car engines? Burning a candle releases similar toxins because it is a petroleum byproduct.
As these fumes are emitted, they can settle in your lungs and cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Toluene and benzene, some of the toxins released when burning paraffin wax, have also been known to cause asthma and multiple types of cancer after burning for long periods of time.
Here are some companies that sell primarily paraffin wax candles:
I know what you’re thinking: do I have to quit candles for good!?
And we are here to tell you: absolutely not!
PARAFFIN WAX ALTERNATIVES
There are alternative types of wax used in candle making - including soy and coconut wax. Coconut wax is made from, you guessed it, coconuts! The coconut crop is very sustainable and the wax produces a clean burn and holds fragrance very well. Soy wax is made from soybeans, which are much more sustainable than the petroleum byproduct used in paraffin wax.
Although it is more expensive, here at Everly we pride ourselves on using a blend of coconut and soy wax. Our candles are also phthalate and paraben-free which means they are better for you and our planet! Our candle refill kits are packaged in compostable material and our candle vessels are built to last, meaning no more tossing out your empty candle jars when they’re empty.
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Launching September 2022
