I’m going to ask you a series of questions. Please make a mental note of your answers as you go through them:
- When you’re planning a relaxing or romantic dinner, what is something you’ll put in the center of the table for ambiance?
- When you’re watching an amorous scene in a movie, what’s something that’s typically used on the set to enhance the mood?
- If you want to create dim light in a dark room while watching a movie or meditating, what will you use?
Was “candles” your answer to any or all of these questions?
THE TOXIC TRUTH ABOUT MOST CANDLES
Most candles are made with paraffin wax. Paraffin is a petroleum waste product that has to be deodorized and chemically-bleached before it can be made into wax.
When burned, paraffin wax creates highly toxic benzene and toluene ( which are known carcinogens) and releases them into the air for everyone in your home to breathe.
The amount of indoor pollution that paraffin wax candles create when burned is considered just as dangerous as second-hand smoke. In fact, the toxins released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes. But that’s not all…
Many candles have wicks that contain heavy metals like lead. Even hours after burning them, the wicks can create levels of heavy metals in the air that are much higher than the acceptable limits set by the EPA.
This is problematic, because exposure to high amounts of lead is linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities and numerous other health problems.
On top of that, many candles also contain artificial scents and dyes that release additional chemicals when burned.
The chemicals that may be present in paraffin mixtures are listed below. Some of these are also found in paint laquer and varnish removers:
Acetone, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene.
The other bummer about wicked candles is that once they’re all burned up, they’re done. And then you have to buy more. $$$
NON-TOXIC ALTERNATIVES
The goods news is there are two excellent alternatives to burning candles for creating a pleasant ambiance, romance and a feeling of warmth in your home.
Both of them will save you money, and one comes with a side of health benefits. SCORE!
Flameless Candles
The closest non-toxic alternative to burning candles are flameless candles. I absolutely love flameless candles and have them all around my home!
Not only are you able to use them over and over and over again (and the batteries last a really long time), you never have to worry about them falling over or dripping wax and damaging your stuff, burning someone or starting a fire.
Also, most flameless candles come with timers, so you can set them to shut off automatically after a certain period of time. Many also come with a remote control, so you can turn them on and off from across the room.
Most mainstream stores carry a decent selection of flameless candles nowadays. If you can’t find them near you or prefer to shop online, amazon has a great selection – just click here to check it out!
Himalayan Salt Lamps
Confession: I am obsessed with Himalayan salt lamps and have 9 in my home! I prefer them over flameless candles for ambiance (though I own and enjoy both), because they are stunningly gorgeous and come with a side of health benefits.
These beautiful lamps made of pure Himalayan salt crystals release negative ions that cleanse the air and help neutralize positive ions that are released from the electronic devices in your home (cell phones, TVs, microwaves, computers, etc.).
This “electro smog” or “electronic air pollution” can cause many health issues like bodily stress, sleep disruptions, feelings of nervousness, difficulty concentrating and the increased accumulation of free radicals in your body that can lead to disease.
That’s why it’s so important to neutralize positive ions.
On top of their health benefits, Himalayan salt lamps create a soothing glow that’s beautiful, relaxing and romantic.
These lamps works great in place of burning candles! And like flameless candles, you can use them over and over and over again = less waste and money saved. SCORE!!!
If you want to mix things up a bit, you can also use Himalayan salt baskets or plug-in wall lights as pictured above.
Click HERE to shop my favorite brand of Himalayan salt lamps (Crystal Allies Gallery) on amazon.
MAKING YOUR HOME SMELL NATURALLY DELICIOUS
Are you someone who likes burning candles to make your home smell good?
Click here to learn how you can create delicious non-toxic scents that actually clean the air in your home using essential oils!
Cheers to enhancing the health of your home by replacing toxic candles with flameless options and Himalayan salt lamps!
With love and gratitude,
Kandi
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