Candles - a real health danger

I've always loved candles in all shapes and scents. I've also always had respiratory allergies, and never associated the two until recently.

Candles made from paraffin wax pollute indoor air quality and cause health problems in people who suffer from respiratory, cardiovascular and immune problems, along with the very young, the elderly, and our pets. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and emits carcinogens such as xylene, tolulene, lead, phenol, benzene, mercury, and acetone among others. On top of the candle wax, metal wicks can cause lead poisoning to be emitted into the air. CLICK HERE to read more about this. Incense is also a pollutant adding particulate matter to our air.

My dad and I both suffer from respiratory problems and certain candles would irritate our lungs. I found that a safe alternative is soy candles with cloth wicks. After reading about the dangers of regular candles, I started making my own soy candles. Soy candle wax, wicks, and scents are available locally and online, and are very easy to make, and we no longer have any breathing problems with the soy candles.