Scented candles are one of the simplest and most effective ways to mask unpleasant odors in your home. That candle is actually filling your home with toxic chemicals and contributing to indoor air pollution.
One of the main problems with scented candles is the scent itself. According to Anne Steinemann, an environmental pollutants expert who is a professor of civil engineering and the chair of sustainable cities at the University of Melbourne, certain candles may emit numerous types of potentially hazardous chemicals, such as benzene and toluene. They can cause damage to the brain, lung and central nervous system, as well as cause developmental difficulties.
It may be shocking to think that your favorite candles could potentially be bad for you, and made worse by added fragrances. Steinemann said for some people, the effects are “immediate, acute and severe,” while others may not realize they are being effected until they gradually develop health issues.
What Makes Candles So Bad
- Paraffin is the major ingredient in most conventional candles and is a sludge waste product from the petroleum industry. It releases carcinogenic chemicals when burned. The soot/fumes are similar to that released from a diesel engine and can be as dangerous as second-hand cigarette smoke. This can contribute to serious respiratory issues like asthma.
- Scented candles may have lead or lead cores in the wick, which releases dangerous amounts of lead into your home through the candle soot. Candle wicks are supposed to be made from pure paper or cotton, but a University of Michigan study in the late 1999 found that 30% of candles in the USA still released lead into the air, in amounts higher than is considered safe by the EPA (and personally, I’m not sure that I would consider there to be a “safe” level). Legislation was passed in the USA to ban lead in wicks in 2003, but it is still present in some candles which make their way onto store shelves, particularly those that are imported (made in China or Taiwan, for example). For my fellow Canadians, there has not yet been a Canadian ban on lead in candle wicks.
- Two particularly toxic chemicals, benzene and toluene, are found in the sooty residue from burning candles. Benzene is cancer-causing and toluene affects the central nervous system.
- Artificial scents and colors may be irritants to some people and/or trigger allergic reactions.
- Other toxic chemicals that may be present in the paraffin mixture and released through burning include: Acetone, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene. Some of the toxins are found in other products such as paint, laquer and varnish removers– that’s potent and powerful stuff!
If you don’t have time in the kitchen to make you a batch of beeswax candles click on the link below.
Bluecorn Naturals 100% Pure Raw Beeswax 8oz Glass Candle
Bluecorn Naturals
$17.15
If you don’t have time in the kitchen to make you a batch of beeswax candles click on the link below.
Bluecorn Naturals 100% Pure Raw Beeswax Tea Lights (24 case)
Bluecorn Naturals
$23.99
This is one of my favorite go-to air freshner recipes that I use in my home. It’s a super simple and super easy DIY natural air freshener that you may already have in your home is..
-clean spray bottle
-10 drops of your favorite essential oils ( I use lavender)
-2 cups of distilled water
-1 tablespoon of baking soda
Add your water to the spray bottle, next add your baking soda and your favorite essential oil. I always put the lid back on & give it a good shake to mix. You can spray this on fabric or in the air. Just like you would any store bought synthetic air spray but without the harmful chemicals! Make sure you label all your bottles with a marker to keep track of your DIY products.
Did you know that it takes 26 seconds for the chemicals in personal body care products to enter into your bloodstream?
Endocrine disruptors are tricky chemicals that play on our bodies. They increase production of certain hormones; decreasing production of others; imitating hormones; turning one hormone into another; interfering with hormone signaling; telling cells to die prematurely; competing with essential nutrients; binding to essential hormones; accumulating in organs that produce hormones.
Interested in more recipes? I have plenty more in my latest book! Order yours today.
Included in this book is:
How to start healing my thyroid
What tests for my thyroid?
Best Essential Oils for Hypothyroidism
How to set you your Hypothyroidism Kitchen
Throughout my latest book, you will find useful, informative and easy to understand recipes for your mind, body and spirit. When I started writing this book, I wanted to introduce you to the idea of a cleaner less toxic world and for you to learn just how simply easy it is for you to start creating your own cleaning recipes throughout your home but this book has transformed into so much more than just a book full of all natural DIY recipes.
This book will enlighten you and help you have a deeper understanding of not only why you should be more aware but how to be more aware.
DIY: Scented Wax melts
Ingredients
- 2 oz Beeswax, grated (buy here)
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (buy here)
- 20 drops Essential Oils (buy here)
Directions
- Place beeswax and coconut oil in a glass bowl or measuring cup inside a saucepan. The saucepan should have enough water in it that the water touches the bottom of your glass double boiler, but doesn’t spill out.
- Over medium heat, stir the oil and wax together until they are melted and combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in essential oils or extracts.
- Pour mixture into molds. (find molds here)
- When melts are cooled and hardened, break apart and melt as many as you like in a warmer.
If you don’t have the time to make your own click on the link and order you some!
Gentle Bees True Cinnamon Beeswax Melts
Gentle Bees
$11.99
Gentle Bees Pine Forrest Beeswax Candle Melts
Gentle Bees
$11.99
5 Natural Room Scents – Whether you want the fragrance of citrus, herbs or even a forest in your home, these quick and easy recipes are perfect.
Scented Olive Oil Candles – These fantastic candles are not just great in an emergency but by adding a touch of any essential oil you can have a beautifully scented candle for your home.
Homemade Reed Diffusers – This is one of the easiest home scent DIYs, and requires only a few items which you’ll most likely already have.
Natural DIY Incense – Making your own incense couldn’t be easier and requires no special equipment. This tutorial will explain everything you need to know.
Natural Aroma Simmer Pots – Simmer pots, are a super efficient way of making your home smell amazing, by mixing a few ingredients with water and placing them in a pan on the stove. These Mason Jar simmer pots would make beautiful gifts!
how To Make An Herbal Wreath – This is a wonderful way to make your homes sent seasonal, by using whatever herbs are in season you’ll be able to have a fresh clean smell all year round.
Deodorizing Disks – Stop any bad smells in your home at the source with these super easy deodorizing disks, which work perfectly in the bottom of your bin, under your sink, in the bathroom…anywhere they’re needed.
Gel Air Fresheners – These toxin free and allergy safe air fresheners are inexpensive and easy to make, plus you can make them in any color you’d like.
Potpourri – Using natural dry ingredients, which you can make yourself, you can create a fantastic and wonderful smelling potpourri in no time at all, then place it in bowls and spread them about your home.
Natural Ginger Bread Candle – Make your home smell like this fabulous sweet treat and fool everyone into thinking your are an amazing baker with this delicious scent.
Natural Oil Plug-in Refill – Find out how you can refill your plug-in air fresheners using only natural fragrances which will leave your home smelling delightful.
Cinnamon-scented pine cones can be purchased at craft stores for around $10, but you can make them at home for just a fraction of the cost.
DIY linen spray that has goregous vanilla grapefruit scent.
How to make your house smell like home
Disclaimer
The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.
thehypothyroidismchick 
I don’t burn scented candles, but use an electric warmer plate to melt the wax. Is this also emitting toxins into the air?
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, unless you make it homemade. You don’t know what the synthetic chemicals the company has put in it to get that scent. If you don’t want to make them yourself, which it’s super easy , you just need to find the time. Go back to my blog and I have a link where you can order you some beeswax melts!
Here is a recipe for you:
DIY: Scented Wax melts
Ingredients
•2 oz Beeswax, grated
•2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
•20 drops Essential Oils
Directions
1.Place beeswax and coconut oil in a glass bowl or measuring cup inside a saucepan. The saucepan should have enough water in it that the water touches the bottom of your glass double boiler, but doesn’t spill out.
2.Over medium heat, stir the oil and wax together until they are melted and combined.
3.Remove from heat and stir in essential oils or extracts.
4.Pour mixture into molds. (find molds here)
5.When melts are cooled and hardened, break apart and melt as many as you like in a warmer.
LikeLiked by 1 person