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I think you would be hard pressed to find a house that does not have one candle in it. Candles are everywhere! People love them! I have always really loved them! They smell great and can cover up some funky smells in your home. I admit, I still have candles in my home, but they are getting thrown out! I had absolutely no idea that candles could be so toxic.
For starters, candles are primarily made of paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is known to produce benzene and toluene when burned. Both these toxins are known carcinogens. Lets break down these two toxins real quick:
Benzene is a chemical that is found in volcanoes, forest fires, gasoline, and cigarette smoke to name a few. It occurs naturally in nature and is man made. Benzene causes cells to work incorrectly, which can lead to anemia and a lowered immune system. The CDC states that signs you have exposure to benzene are: drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, headaches, confusion, and more when it is inhaled. If you accidentally consume food or beverages with benzene in it, you could potentially vomit, become dizzy, sleepy, have convulsions, and more. Also, if that’s not bad enough, your throw up can stick to your lungs! These are some terrifying side effects of something that is burned into the atmosphere of your home.
Toluene is another chemical found in gasoline. Repeated exposure to it can cause headaches, dizziness, and unconsciousness. There are reports of nervous system impairment with some effects being reversible and some are not reversible. It has also been found that moderate day to day exposure of toluene in your workplace, home, vehicle, home, wherever, can cause tiredness, confusion, drunk like symptoms, memory loss, nausea, and weakness.
Why would you ever want these chemicals burning into your home? There are so many better alternatives to candles! I use essential oils in my home. You can recreate your favorite candle smells with them and then diffuse them throughout your house! It’s pretty simple!
I have this starter pack of essential oils. Yes, I know it is not one of the big brands. Essential oils are actually on my list of things to research, but for now, these are working just fine. I have a couple go to blends that I like to use in my house and I will share with you. All of these can be made using the starter kit!
My favorite one of all time smells like rain! It is:
- 4 drops of lemon
- 3 drops of eucalyptus
- 2 drops tea tree
This is my go to for energy (this one doesn’t have to be 3 drops, just equal parts):
- 3 drops lemon
- 3 drops orange
If I want a calming effect, I simply use lavender. If someone is sick in the house I use (once again this can just be equal parts, not necessarily 3 drops):
- 3 drops tea tree
- 3 drops eucalyptus
There are really endless possibilities of combinations you can make with essential oils. Pinterest is a great place to find different combinations and if you follow my Pinterest account you will see more of the ones I use!
To diffuse the essential oils you will need a diffuser. There are two types of diffusers. The main type of diffuser is one that has a water reservoir and you add essential oils to it. I like these ones for larger spaces such as the living room or a bedroom. I like this one! The other type of diffuser is one that comes with a felt type piece that you simply drop the oils on and then the scent is diffused. These are a lot better for small spaces such as your office or car. They do make diffuser especially for your car as well. Some plug into the cigarette lighter and some just clip onto your vent and the air from the vent diffuses the scent. I have the vent diffuser in my car and I love to use the energizer blend! Just a tip, don’t use a calming scent in your car or it might put you to sleep!
One thing I do love about candles that you can not get with a diffuser is the light and the flickering of the wick. Some diffusers do glow and change colors, but this is not the same! A lit candle just adds to the aesthetic of the room. Bud don’t fear, there is a hack for that as well! You can get faux candles that produce light and even flicker so they look like real candles. There are even ones that you can put on a timer so they will come on at a certain time every day! That’s pretty neat!
Candles are one of those things I am sad to get rid of in my home but after learning the facts, I can not use them knowing what health risks they impose. From now on, my diffusers will be going non stop and I’ll have to invest in some flickering fake candles to keep the aesthetic in my home! I hope you make the switch as well!