"I get headaches from all my candles. Why would these be any different?"
Most factory-produced candles use a type of wax called "paraffin" as the main base for their candles. Paraffin has a lot to offer, like near-instant curing times, perfectly smooth candle tops, amazing scent throw, not to mention it's easy on the wallet. Paraffin is the most commonly used wax on the market.
DANGER DANGER DANGER
The catch? Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum (created by making gasoline), meaning that you, your pets, and your kids are all breathing in burning fossil fuels if you have a paraffin wax candle lit in a closed environment (i.e. your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen). It is NOTORIOUS for being the main culprit of the classic "candle headache" that so many people experience.
Heating paraffin wax releases 11 known toxins into the air, two of which are carcinogens (acetaldehyde and formaldehyde).
Officially, paraffin wax is accepted as "safe" and "not shown to be harmful to human health," though conflicting evidence exists. Regardless, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) includes paraffin wax fume in their Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, noting symptoms like eye, skin, and respiratory irritation and nausea.
The University of British Columbia provides more detail on the short-term health impacts of paraffin wax fume exposure (eye and respiratory tract irritation, acute to severe nausea, and overall discomfort), not to mention the long-term health impacts of regular inhalation (severe coughing, a very glamorous-sounding "sputum production", exertional shortness of breath, possibility of pulmonary damage [lipoid pneumonia] and alveolitis and interstitial fibrosis).
DO PEOPLE ACTUALLY USE THIS STUFF?
Big name candle companies think the risk of these effects on your health are worth it for easier production and to boost their bottom line. It's a big, fat NO from me, dawg.
Just Google what kind of wax your national brand candle company uses. It's more than likely a blend that features paraffin.
Like:
- this one (look under What are your candles made out of?)
- and this one (scroll wayyyyy down to the bottom and they halfway admit what waxes they use),
- and this one (look under How do WoodWick candles work?)
WHERE DO I FIND CANDLES THAT WON'T MAKE ME SICK?
That's why 5th + Reynolds Candles will NEVERRRR ever ev-ER, EVER, use paraffin wax. Our candles use a coconut wax and soy wax blend, made with U.S. grown soybeans. This wax requires a more-skilled candlemaker to make sure the final product is just as beautiful and delivers scent like its nasty, toxic competitor, and THAT is why I obsess over every. little. detail.
You shouldn't have to choose between candles that smell delicious, look gorgeous, and don't compromise your health.
So don't.
