SOY WAX  vs PARAFFIN WAX

Most commercially available 'fragrant' candles are made with paraffin wax and synthetic 'fragrant oils'. Paraffin wax is a by-product of the petrol industry, and is widely believed to give off toxic fumes and soot when burned. Tests completed in the US in 2001 revealed that paraffin wax contained 11 compounds which are classified as dangerous, some even classed as carcinogenic. One compound, carbon tetrachloride, can lead to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage when experienced in chronic amounts. The American Lung Association has even issued warnings regarding the burning of paraffin candles as a common, unrecognised cause of poor indoor air quality. Even "safe" beeswax candles are not necessarily what they seem. Often they are blended with large amounts of paraffin wax - as long as they contain a percentage of natural beeswax it is legal to label them as a beeswax candle, regardless of the other additives.

Then there are the artificial fragrances, pungent synthetic substances that, aside from carrying none of the therapeutic values that pure Essential Oils are known for, may also carry ingredients that at best have no toxicity data available, and at worst are known carcinogens.

One of the safest options available today is to use candles made with SOY WAX, a relatively new natural - and renewable - alternative to paraffin, based on soy bean oil. It is clean burning, with no soot or CO2 emissions, and lasts up to 50% longer than paraffin wax candles of the same size.

Also choose candles that don't use artificial fragrances or essences. Choose instead candles whose scents come from 100% natural plant-derived Essential Oils, which carry the aroma-therapeutic benefit of the oils themselves. These may cost a little more as the Essential Oils are more costly to produce, but the reward in knowing exactly what you and your family are breathing in is worth it.

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