Are your candles sucking the life out of you?

Did you know that according to the American Lung Association candles are becoming the most common cause of poor indoor air quality? Many candles are made with paraffin wax and lead wicks. Burning several paraffin candles in your home could create poor indoor air quality in your home that rivals large cities like Los Angeles! The EPA has discovered that paraffin candles and the smoke and soot they give off contain several hazardous chemicals that are probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins. Acetone, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Trichloroethane, Toluene, Mercury and Lead have all been found in paraffin candles. Worst of all the candle industry is not required to inform consumers of the ingredients they use in their candles, even if their candles contain lead wicks!  

To keep your indoor air quality pure and protect your family's health always look for Soy or Vegetable wax Candles with Lead Free Wicks.  If the candle doesn't state that the wick is lead free it probably isn't.  Also try and buy candles that are scented with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.  Synthetic fragrances can often aggravate respiratory problems.  Read the labels before you bring anything new in to your home to ensure that you are not contaminating your environment with toxic chemicals.  Luckily there are many companies out there that are producing safe and natural candles so it's not a matter of avoiding candles all together but rather making a healthier choice.