Soy Candles—A Healthier Alternative

Today, the use of candles permeates our society.  In fact, The National Candle Association has advised that 7 out of 10 American households use candles regularly, and sales continue to increase at 10-15% per year.  Amongst other things, we use candles to complement relaxation techniques, to create romantic ambiances, and to beautifully fragrance our homes and work places.  Who, then, would have thought that in using these ubiquitous enjoyments we could, in fact, be poisoning ourselves?

Scientists at the University of Michigan and NASA, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, have all found that some candles can emit significant amounts of harmful chemicals into our homes.  These toxic chemicals, which include acetone, benzene, lead, and soot, are thought to lead to behavior changes, damage internal organs, and even cause cancer.  In fact, the American Lung Association recently issued a warning stating that “candles are fast becoming one of the most common unrecognized causes of poor indoor air quality.”

David Krause, an air quality engineer and former employee of the Florida Department of Health, says that “the soot given off from the burning of paraffin candles is the same as that given off by burning diesel fuel”; and, according to blessingsofnature.com, “studies have shown that carcinogens released by paraffin wax candles are as dangerous as second hand cigarette smoke.”

So then, what is a health-conscious person to do?  Must we give up the delights of candles in order to keep ourselves healthy?   No — instead, try soy candles, a healthier, cleaner alternative to paraffin wax candles.

Made from natural soybeans, soy candles are a 100% vegetable by-product, not a petroleum by-product, which burn cleaner than paraffin candles.  Environmentally friendly, these unique candles are completely biodegradable and non-toxic, and will not leave black soot residue in your home or on your furniture.

In addition to being better for your health, soy candles will burn substantially longer and more uniformly than paraffin wax candles, and are water-soluble for easy cleanup.

So remember, even though the air in your home can contain up to 500 times the toxins of outdoor air, you can eliminate some of these threats by replacing your paraffin wax candles with sustainable soy ones.  By doing so, your home can become a place to nourish your spirit, as well as your physical well-being too.  Stop by Essentials for the Special Woman's Vernon, CT boutique to view our exclusive line of soy candles.