BOOK A SESION
In ancient times, people used candles as the main source of light and they were a necessary part of everyday life. With the advent of technology, new inventions like light bulbs and lighting equipment, limited the use of candles. Now they are only being used for decoration and other purposes. The use of scented candles in spas, for aromatherapy and in restaurants has become a trend nowadays.
Every candle is made with two main things, one is wax and the other is wick. Colors and fragrances are also added as optional ingredients in scented candles. The wick is the thread embedded in the wax which carries the flame and the wax plays the role of fuel.The heat of the flame melts the wax underneath it and it fuels the flame. The wax is made from different sources such as Beeswax, Paraffin or Soy. Paraffin being the cheaper material is preferred and is most commonly used for making candles. But, it has some consequences. So, let's find out what paraffin is?
Paraffin wax is a translucent, flammable solid that is a byproduct of Gasoline production and is basically distilled from Petroleum. It produces a bright flame and burns for hours. Unfortunately, it is believed that burning paraffin wax produces some toxic fumes that are detrimental to one's health. Researchers at South Carolina State University performed some experiments on burning paraffin wax and they found out that it produces some harmful chemicals like Toluene and Benzene. Let's dive deep in the properties and effects of these chemicals.
Toluene is a volatile, colorless liquid and it is usually inhaled in the form of vapors. It is also absorbed in the body through skin contact. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, it is not only irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract but also has inimical effects on the CNS. It usually causes headache, dizziness and drowsiness and other CNS related problems as it interferes with neuronal proteins. Along with that, it affects the lungs badly and may cause fluid accumulation and respiratory arrest if inhaled in higher doses for longer hours. Similarly, it can produce cardiac abnormalities and can potentially disturb the heart rhythm. It also affects the renal system and can cause glomerulonephritis and even renal failure.
Likewise, Benzene is the other chemical that is exposed through inhalation. Benzene has been associated with a range of acute and long-term adverse health effects and diseases, including cancer and aplastic anemia. Hence, it is clear that exposure of such harmful chemicals is not safe for health even if the exposure is minimum.
As mentioned in the beginning, the use of scented candles has increased as it is used for various purposes like decorations and aromatherapy etc. In order to make scented candles , fragrance oils are used which give a particular fragrance to that candle. Phthalates are the chemicals that are used as solvents for fragrance oils which extend their aromantic strength. They are also used to make plastics flexible and are used in a number of industries. As Phthalates are a group of chemicals among them some of them are toxic and some are non toxic. It is claimed by most of the candle industries that Phthalates used in candles are not harmful. But, the use of Phthalates in many industries is banned, especially toys making industries due to their injurious effects . According to a research paper published in Health care (Basel), Phthalates are regarded as endocrine disruptors. Their chronic exposure adversely affects the endocrine system and has detrimental effects on child growth and development, reproductive systems and even on the success of pregnancy. So, their exposure in the form of vapors which are produced due to burning of fragrance oil can produce unwanted effects on human health.
Concluding this, the studies show that burning of Paraffin wax and Phthalates continuing candles produce noxious fumes which have adverse effects on health. Hence, the use of such candles should be discouraged. And candles produced from Soy wax or Beeswax should be preferred. Similarly, their fumes exposure should be minimized by burning them in a well ventilated area. Aromatherapy and other such procedures should use candle alternatives which are not a risk to one's health.
.png){kind=small}