There's been a lot of debate lately over the safety of candles. Some people say that they're bad for your health, while others claim that they're perfectly fine. So, what's the truth? Are candles bad for you? Let's take a look at the evidence.
LET'S QUICKLY LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF CANDLE MATERIALS
Candles have been used for centuries as a source of light. The history of candles can be traced back to the Roman era, when people began to fashion them out of tallow, a material made from beef fat. Tallow candles were extremely popular because they were relatively easy to make and provided a significant amount of light. However, they were also quite smoky and had a tendency to drip, making them somewhat messy to use.
Carl Reichenbach's discovery of paraffin wax in 1830 was a major breakthrough for the candle making industry. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is cheaper to produce than tallow candles, which are made from animal fat. In addition, paraffin candles burn more cleanly and reliably than tallow candles. However, there is some evidence that suggests that paraffin wax may be harmful to your health.
Soy candles are made of vegetable wax. Soy wax was invented in 1992 by Michael Richards who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax. He realised very soon that there was a growing demand for natural wax candles within the candle industry. Soy candles are made from soybeans and have a number of benefits over other types of candles. Soy wax is non-toxic and burns cleaner than other waxes, producing very little soot. Soy candles also last longer than other types of candles, giving you more value for your money. If you're looking for a natural and eco-friendly option, soy candles are the way to go.
Today, there are numerous types of candles available on the market, made from a variety of materials. While they are no longer essential for providing light, candles continue to be popular for their ability to create ambiance and add a touch of warmth to any setting.
SOY WAX CANDLES ARE THE SAFEST MATERIAL FOR CANDLES
Many people are concerned about the safety of using candles made with plant-based waxes, such as soy wax and palm oil wax. However, there is no need to be concerned. These waxes are not considered harmful or toxic in any way. They are made with all-natural ingredients and burn cleanly.
Soy candles are the industry standard in Australia. Soy candles are made from a renewable resource, they are biodegradable, and they are non-toxic. Soy candles are made from soybean oil, which is a renewable resource. Soybeans are grown in many countries around the world, including the United States, Brazil, and China. The soybean oil is extracted from the soybeans and then processed into soy wax to make soy candles. Soy candles are biodegradable because they are made from a renewable resource. They are also non-toxic because they do not release chemicals into the air when they are burned. Soy candles are a more environmentally friendly option than traditional petroleum-based candles. They emit less carbon dioxide when they are burned, and they do not release harmful chemicals into the air. Milk and Moon is committed to providing a more sustainable option for people who want to enjoy the benefits of candle burning without harming the environment.
Soy wax is made from soybeans and is therefore a renewable resource. Soy wax is also biodegradable, meaning that it will break down naturally in the environment. Soy wax candles are therefore a more environmentally friendly choice for those who want to enjoy the ambiance of candlelight without harming the planet.
PARAFFIN WAX - SOME SAY DANGEROUS, SOME SAY NOT
So what's with paraffin wax? When burned, paraffin candles release carcinogenic chemicals into the air. In addition, inhaling paraffin wax fumes has been linked to respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. As a result, it is important to be aware of the potential risks before using paraffin wax candles in your home.
Though it is commonly used in candles, paraffin wax could be dangerous for your health. When burned, paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals into the air, including toluene and benzene. These chemicals have been linked to respiratory problems, such as asthma and cancer. In addition, paraffin wax is a petroleum product, so it contributes to air pollution when burned. If you are concerned about your health, it is best to avoid candles made with paraffin wax and choose candles made from beeswax or soy wax instead. While they may cost a bit more upfront, they will be better for your health in the long run.
But even this is debatable! Some sources say even paraffin wax candles aren't as dangerous as once thought.
The European Candle Association (ECA) is an organization that represents the interests of the candle industry in Europe. As part of its mission, the ECA strives to ensure that candles are made safely and do not pose a risk to human health. In 2007, the ECA conducted a study that examined the levels of over 300 toxic chemicals that can potentially be released by paraffin candles. The study found that the levels of these chemicals were below what could be harmful to humans. The ECA continues to monitor the safety of candles and works with European regulators to ensure that they meet the highest standards.
LEAD WICKS ARE BANNED IN AUSTRALIA
When people talk about candles being dangerous, one of the major dangers that have occurred in the past is the presence of a lead wick. That is, a candle wick containing the dangerous material lead.
Not all candles contain lead. In fact, lead wicks were banned in Australia as of the 1st September 1999. While it is true that some metal cores are made of pure lead, others are lead and tin or mostly zinc. Additionally, some candles imported into Australia from China and Taiwan have been tested and found to have wicks containing a core with more than 95% lead in the wick. So, while not all candles contain lead, it is important to be aware of the dangers associated with lead exposure and take steps to avoid it. Buying Australian-made candles will ensure no lead is present. Milk and Moon candles have absolutely no lead in our wicks and use cotton wicks instead.
NATURAL VS. MAN-MADE FRAGRANCES - WHY NOT USE NATURAL ALL THE TIME?
So we've covered wax and wicks, but what about fragrance? All over the internet, there is information about candle fragrances being bad for your health. And why is that? Some man-made fragrance oils contain phthalates. Before I tell you what they are, we want you to know that no Milk and Moon candles contain phthalates as our fragrances are all Australian-made by trusted suppliers.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in many different consumer products, from food packaging to cosmetics to fragrances. They are also found in some vinyl products, such as shower curtains, toys, and flooring. While phthalates are considered safe at low levels of exposure, they can be dangerous to your health if you're exposed to them on a regular basis. This is especially true for children and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals. One of the most common ways that people are exposed to phthalates is through some candle fragrances. When heated, these chemicals are released into the air, where they can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Inhaling phthalates has been linked to respiratory problems, while exposure to these chemicals through the skin can cause hormonal disruptions.
So why not use natural fragrances all the time? Why not make candles with only essential oils?
Essential oils are made from distilled natural materials such as flowers like Lavender and fruits like Lemon and Orange. Essential oils have a low flash point and in some places can be considered a dangerous good because they are more flammable than fragrance oils. A majority of Australian candle makers refuse to use pure essential oils in candles because of the fire risk - that is, that whole candles can catch on fire due to a high content of essential oils. Essential oils can also evaporate their smell as soon as they hit hot wax which causes a candle that doesn't smell at all!
It's also very difficult to have a wide range of scents when using only essential oils. For example, there would be no Vanilla Caramel fragrance, as the smell of caramel can't be distilled from a flower or fruit.
Milk and Moon chooses fragrance oils made in Australia that are a mixture of both natural and man-made fragrances to ensure the best smelling candles with the widest range of fragrance options for our customers. There are absolutely no phthalates in our candles.
An article by Healthline.com says: “Many of the chemical names in disclosed ‘fragrances’ will be long and scary-looking — think 'methyl dihydrojasmonate's says Mia Davis, director of environmental and social responsibility at Credo Beauty “But their chemical-y sounding names don’t equal ‘toxic.’” Here's a really interesting article we found about the making of perfumes: Click Here
Milk & Moon candles are made with soy wax, not paraffin. Soy wax is a natural product that burns cleaner than paraffin and it doesn't release harmful toxins into the air. Our wicks are made of cotton, which is also a safe and healthy choice. We use essential oils in our candles, but blended with man-made fragrances to ensure stability. All of our candles are Australian-made, so you can be sure they're up to safety standards. Try out one of our amazing scents today!