Are Your Favorite Scented Candles Toxic?

Burning your favorite candles can release what's known as volatile organic compounds or particulate matter into the air. However, you have much more to worry about from industrial air pollution and vehicle emissions.

The main concern is paraffin wax, a common type of candle wax derived from petroleum.

Paraffin produces small amounts of some potentially cancer-causing chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde.

But there's little evidence that burning paraffin candles causes harm to humans.

Alternatives to Paraffin Wax

If you're concerned about paraffin, use candles made of soy, beeswax or stearin.

• Derived from animal and plant materials
• Environmentally friendly
• Generally release fewer chemicals and less soot into the air

Scented candles may produce more soot than unscented candles. However, the amount of soot is very small.

To Minimize Soot:

• Move candles away from drafty areas to avoid flickering
• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each use
• Keep the wax pool free of debris

How to Burn Candles Safely

• Avoid direct inhalation of the smoke
• Burn candles in ventilated spaces
• Use a snuffer to extinguish the flame – never use water
• Trim the wick before every use, which will also help maintain the appearance of your candle

Air fresheners and plug-ins have been found to release a range of hazardous chemicals, including phthalates, that disrupt the body's hormones and reproductive system. Other chemicals can cause allergies, trigger asthma, wheezing, headaches and contact dermatitis.

Alternatives to Scented Candles

1. Simmer water on the stovetop, add orange slices, cinnamon sticks or cloves.
2. Mix some of your favorite essential oils and add to a vapor diffuser.
3. Try essential oil wax melts and warmers.
4. Choose your favorite scent with a natural reed diffuser, which requires no flame.