Candles are used in many ways for different occasions: We buy long tapers for romantic dinners by candlelight; or store them for use during blackouts. Smaller votives can give a room ‘atmosphere’, and the scented votives can be used for room deodorizing.
However, candles can also pose a health risk: Some candles have lead wicks, which can release carcinogens into the air, in the form of lead vapours and candle soot.
How Can I Be Sure My Candles Are Lead-Free?
Some candles have a firm wick with a metallic core that may contain lead. It is recommended that you test the candles you already own to see whether the wick contains lead.
By removing the wax from the tip of the wick with your finger, separate the fibre strands from the wick to see if there is a metallic core. Rub the metallic core on a piece of white paper: If it leaves a grey mark on the paper, then the metallic core is probably lead - discard that candle immediately.
Toxins Found in Paraffin Candles
Most candles are made from paraffin wax or natural waxes blended with paraffin - a derivative of petroleum. When burned they release carcinogenic toxins such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.
Acetaldehyde has been linked to liver damage, and acrolein is used to make pesticides. Toluene and benzene are found in car exhaust. Using soy or beeswax candles with lead-free wicks reduces the level of carcinogens found in one’s home, air ducts and filters.
Soy Candles
While more expensive than paraffin candles, soy candles generally last 50% longer than petroleum-based candles. Soy candles produce very little soot, and if some soy wax drips, they are easy to clean up with soap and water.
Be careful to read the label: Soy candles' only ingredient should be soy – beware of labels that say it “contains soy” or is “soy scented”. Pure soy candles have a more opaque appearance and may appear to have a whitish film on them – a non-toxic bloom.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are gaining popularity: They usually have a pleasant, faintly honey-like fragrance, and are not known to trigger allergies. Pure beeswax candles generally do not produce toxins or soot when burned, but do read the label to see if has been mixed with paraffin.
Again, they are more expensive than paraffin candles, but they have been known to last longer, and most are drip-free. A 7-to-8 inch beeswax taper can burn for about 12 hours, depending on the wick. Most candles should not be left to burn for longer than three hours – it will decrease how well the candle will burn for later use.
Safety Tips For a Romantic Candlelit Evening
Health Canada has compiled a list of safety rules to follow when burning candles, votives or scented candles.
- Never leave a candle burning if no-one is in the room.
- The candle flame height should be between ½ inch and ¾ inch high – trim the wick if the flame is higher.
- Use well ventilated candleholders that are sturdy and will not tip over.
- Avoid wooden or plastic holders, as these are flammable. Use glass candleholders with caution: They can break when they get too hot.
In all, a romantic evening can be safe and toxin-free – it doesn’t have to be expensive, either!
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