Ecologist - Behind the Label

Summer 2009

I Conjure Candles

Every woman has the right to be a natural Goddess
100% natural wax and pure essential oil
richly scented candles. No acetone, no benzene, no cresol and no lead.
www.iconjurecandles.co.uk

Candles

While nothing says holistic living like a nice candle, that warm glow may be hiding a toxic secret

Most of us are aware of the negative health effects of combustion byproducts from major outdoor sources, such as cars and power plants, and even from obvious indoor sources such as stoves. Few are aware of the potential health effects of regularly burning candles. Research has shown however, that candles emit a frightening range of carcinogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Generally speaking, two different types of wick are used for candles. Non-cored wicks are made of a braided fibre and are considered the safest to burn. Also available are cored-wicked candles, where the braided fibre is wrapped around a metal core - usually lead or cadmium - to give it support. As the wick burns, it releases a dirty soot that can contain toxic heavy metals, which are easily absorbed into the body once inhaled.

Apart from how its wick is made, how 'cleanly' a candle burns depends on several other factors, including the type of wax it is made of, whether it is perfumed and coloured, and how long the wick is. Paraffin, made from petroleum waste, is the most common type of candle wax. Gel waxes, popular because of their crystal clarity and ability to hold colour and fragrance, are basically petroleum oil turned to jelly. Both types produce smoke and soot.

It can be difficult to make a candle using good-quality natural essential oils, as they are expensive and may not blend well with candle wax. Instead, manufacturers generally use more toxic synthetic fragrances in scented candles.

The safety of colours used in candles depends largely on the dye ingredients, but most synthetic dyes will give off some unsafe particles on burning. Many candles on the market contain no label ling information to say what they're made of or where they're made. While candles with lead wicks have been banned from being imported to or sold in the US, the UK has yet to follow suit. A legal requirement for clearer labelling would certainly help consumers make better choices.

Ingredients

Candles contain a complex mix of unseen and unlabelled ingredients. Emissions include:

Lead

Even low levels can adversely affect the centra! nervous system, the heart, red blood cells and kidneys. Chronic exposure in adults is associated with endocrine and reproductive problems. Lead exposure in children is linked to behavioural problems and depressed intelligence.

Cadmium

Inhaled cadmium is carcinogenic. Overload can cause yellow teeth, dry skin, chronic bronchitis and fatigue. It is also toxic to liver, kidneys, bones and testes, as well as disruptive to the immune, hormone and cardiovascular systems.

Particulates

Microscopic particles are easily and deeply inhaled, damaging the lungs, heart and arteries. Long-term exposure increases the risk of heart disease.

EGOLOGIST 37