Cozy slippers, hot coffee in hand, a soft blanket, and a candle burning… isn’t that the epitome of a perfect morning! Let me add, kids still sleeping! This sometimes sounds more like a Christmas wish than standard morning. Once in a while, though, I get them and savor every single second!
I savor the stillness but also the fact that I can actually burn a candle with no headache coming on.
I wouldn’t consider myself “sensitive” to smells… that is until I totally cut out harmful fragrance from our home. For the longest time, we’ve been using unscented cleaners, detergents and no candles (just diffusers) because we know the harm that can come with fragrance, and specifically candles! Now, when I am somewhere that has candles burning, plug-ins in the wall, or some strong perfume, I instantly get a mild headache and need to get out… can you relate?
Let’s look at this for a minute! Sorry if you don’t like me after this, but I promise, I have some ideas for you!
Recent studies may make you second guess your love for artificially scented decor and candles since these may actually be making us sick! Many toxic chemicals can be found in the fragrance and the wax and also contribute to indoor air pollution. In fact, a 2001 EPA study shows that candles with more fragrance in them produce more soot, and the agency suggests choosing unscented candles to reduce this leftover debris. And a 2009 study out of South Carolina State University also warns about chemicals emitted into the air upon burning candles.
Researches found that burning paraffin (the most popular type of candle wax) candles produced “undesired chemicals” like Balkans, alkenes, and toluene, which are known to have harmful effects on humans. Paraffin is made from petroleum so you could be polluting your indoor air with the same toxin as diesel fuel (like 1,4-dioxane which is a known human carcinogen). Side note- paraffin is not only used in candles and dips for getting pedicures, but also often found in lip balms, vaseline-like products, body lotion, and moisturizers. Make sure to check these labels too!
Back to candles… fragrance is a topic all in itself, but the word “fragrance” can be over 300+ chemicals that make up this one word.
Dr. Ruhullah Massoudi, a lead researcher and chemistry professor, said “for a person who lights a candle every day for years, or just uses them frequently, inhalation of these dangerous pollutants drifting in the air could contribute to the development of health risks live cancer, common allergies, and even asthma.”
So knowing this, I totally stopped using candles a while back, and truthfully I missed them! I felt guilty for wanting to light one and was on the hunt for a clean brand. In the mean time, I used my diffusers with essential oils. I still love to do this because diffusers are a fantastic way to not only enjoy a smell in your home, but also disperse the oil benefits to the whole family. Need a little extra immune support, diffuse some Rosemary. Need assistance breathing? Add some Eucalyptus! Truly, the diffuser is amazing… but it’s just not the same as burning a candle!
And fear not, friends! I won’t leave you hanging!
Recently we found a new candles company…
Its literally everything you could want!
- Rotating scents based on seasons.
- Made in the USA
- Made 100% from Coconut and Soy wax (no paraffin)
- Fragrances used are 100% phthalate-free
- Follow strict RIFM and IFRA standards regarding fragrance safety
- Free of additives
- Eco-Friendly
- Contain NO parabéns, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, nut oils, gluten or paraffin
Seriously a dream come true for this toxin-free Mama over here!
I’ve had a LOT of these burning in my home and although I truly haven’t has one I don’t like, there are some I gravitate towards!
- DUSK
- COSTAL BOHO
- SURF
- SALT AIR
- SUNSHINE
- MAINE PINE- a classic but warm Pine- Christmastime favorite but also my hubby’s favorite!
Take a look at Sealovecandles.com for your new favorite candles, but also safe room sprays as well.
Use Pomo code MAMAFORHEALTH10 at checkout to save 10% on all your orders.
I want to hear your faves, too!