Candles, those small or big, thick or thin, colored or colorless, scented or without scents, these illuminating bodies sparkle the house. While we may no longer rely on candles for light at night, they are still a popular ornamental fixture in many homes. A candle can help to set a relaxing mood in any room, whether you’re having company for dinner or enjoying a little “me-time” in the bubble bath. Ever thought they could be hazardous to your life. Yes, you heard it right.
Most candles that you find today are made of paraffin wax, but unfortunately, it’s not the safest compound to be inhaled as it burns. Paraffin is derived from petroleum and made up of straight-chain hydrocarbons, which combust to produce dark soot that can get into linens, stain walls, and lead to respiratory problems. Candles made of paraffin also contain hidden dangers in the form of additives, or chemicals added to the wax to make the resulting candles look, smell, and burn better. You can find additives derived from petroleum called microcrystalline, which help improve the texture of wax, as well as polyethylene produced from natural gas that add a glossy finish.
Many candles have cored wicks made from cotton that is wrapped around metal support. The design helps keep the wick from falling over into the wax. This is especially useful for scented candles because the fragrance oils soften the wax and allow non-cored wicks to go limp.
Next time remember this before you lit a candle. I will be sharing the alternatives in the next article.
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