I’ll be honest—sometimes I find myself wishing I could go back to the days when I didn’t know much about real food or natural living. Ignorance can be bliss, and life seemed simpler before I was aware of the issues with products like vegetable oils, sugar, and processed grains. It would definitely be easier to just let my kids munch on cereal from a box or wash clothes with any old detergent. But once you know, you can’t really go back.
Scented candles are a big area where I feel this tug. They look so innocent with their soft, warm glow, but they hide some pretty dirty secrets. It can feel overwhelming to think everything around us might be harmful, but hang in there with me.
Those lovely-looking candles can seriously mess with your indoor air quality. They release chemicals that are just as harmful as second-hand smoke. The problem starts with paraffin, which is a byproduct of petroleum. Before it’s turned into wax, it has to go through processes like deodorizing and bleaching with chemicals. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, and when you burn them, they give off benzene and toluene—both known carcinogens. In fact, these toxins are the same ones you’d find in diesel fumes.
To make matters worse, many scented candles have wicks containing heavy metals like lead. Just a few hours of burning can release more airborne heavy metals than what’s considered safe. Even though the U.S. banned lead wicks in 2003, up to 30% of candles still have wicks with heavy metals. High lead exposure is linked to hormone disruption, learning disabilities, and other health issues.
On top of that, these candles often include artificial scents and dyes, which release even more chemicals when burned. Other toxins found in paraffin candles are also in some pretty intense products like paint removers. Petro-soot from paraffin candles is harmful, comparable to the exhaust from a diesel engine and can lead to anything from headaches to lung cancer. Tests have shown these fumes can cause tumors in the kidneys and liver of lab animals.
Learning all this was disheartening at first, but I discovered some great substitutes. I tried various alternatives to scented candles and found that I actually prefer them. While soy-based candles are one option, most soy is genetically modified, so I tend to avoid it. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are not only safe but also purify the air.
Beeswax candles emit negative ions, which can help clear out positive ions in indoor air. Positive ions, created by many things like electronic devices and scented candles, can carry dust, pollen, and even toxic mold. Indoor environments usually have a higher concentration of positive ions, so reducing them is beneficial. Negative ions from beeswax candles bind with positive ions, making them heavier and removing them from the air.
I’ve tossed out all our scented candles and now stick to beeswax versions. I even use beeswax birthday candles instead of regular ones. The one thing I miss is the scent, so I’ve started using essential oils, like peppermint, citrus, and lavender, to freshen the air.
After learning about the issues with scented candles, I wanted to undo any harm they might have caused in my home. Alongside beeswax candles, I now use salt lamps and indoor plants to detoxify the air. We have these in most rooms, and whenever I want to enjoy the glow of candles, I choose beeswax.
Sometimes I do wish I could still enjoy conventional scented candles, but I’m glad to have healthier options through beeswax candles and essential oils. What about you? Do you use scented candles, and have you ever thought of switching to alternatives? Let me know!
