A couple years ago I wrote a blog post about the toxicity of candles. It generally stated that conventional candles contain paraffin wax, lead-core wicks, and synthetic fragrance, which generally can all produce VOCs in your home. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that off gas in your home. And, given that we spend so much time in our homes and that some of these VOCs are microscopic, you breathe these compounds in day in and day out. My post also promoted nontoxic candles, such as beeswax, coconut or soy candles. These candles don’t contain the toxins conventional candles contain.
What I didn’t talk about in my last post is the downside of these nontoxic candles, which is the decorative side—or lack thereof. These nontoxic candles come in generally a rainbow of colors. However, this rainbow only consists of neutrals, such as yellow, cream, off-white and white. You can’t get those festive candles for each holiday like yankee candle provides with a nontoxic label on them. That part is unfortunate if you really like candles and want your candles to coincide with your decor and the season. You also can’t get candles with a whole bunch of different festive scents, as artificial scents are extremely toxic.
What you can do, however, to still have festive candles for each season is buy conventional candles that you would like to have that go along with your decorations and the season and burn a smidgen of the conventional candle outside, so that a hole or indent forms in the center of the candle. Once the candle has burned down a little, you can place a non-toxic tee candle such as the ones hyoola sells in the middle of the festive candle as shown below. Hyoola also sells the perfect size and length of tapered candles for your Hanukkiah and for your candlestick holders. That way you can ensure you aren’t burning toxic candles in your home during the holidays.
Just make sure whatever candle you buy to burn in your home does not contain paraffins, only has natural fragrances, such as 100% pure essential oils, fruits or herbs and contains a 100% cotton wicks and for natural fragrances (i.e. 100% pure essential oils, fruits or herbs. I hope this helps you prevent some toxicity during your holiday season.
Here’s to being well preserved.
Always, Taylor
