Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, but did you know that many candles on the market release harmful toxins and toxic chemicals into the air? These toxins can stay in your house long-term and pose a health risk. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality. To improve indoor air quality, it is important to opt for non-toxic candles. But how do you know which candles are non-toxic? This guide will take you through the key things to look out for when choosing a candle to ensure that you are maintaining a non-toxic living environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle Type | Non-toxic |
| Brand | Anthropologie |
| Scent | Volcano by Capri Blue |
| Alternative Scent | Sun-Kissed Citrus |
| Other Brands | Antique Candle Co., Yankee |
| Toxic Ingredients | Benzene, Toluene, Phthalates |
| Wax Types | Paraffin, Soy, Coconut, Beeswax, Palm |
| Health Risks | Difficulty breathing, asthma, migraines, endocrine disruption |
| Eco-Friendly Considerations | GMO soy, monoculture farming, toxic pesticides |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients to avoid in candles
While candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere, some candles may contain ingredients that are harmful to your health. The key ingredients to avoid in candles are:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct, which can release harmful pollutants when burned. It is derived from crude oil refinement and is believed to be toxic to indoor air quality and humans when inhaled. Studies have found that burning paraffin wax increases the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These chemicals have been linked to health issues such as headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Synthetic Fragrances
The term “fragrance” on a label can often be a catch-all term for numerous chemicals. Opt for candles that specify “100% essential oils” or “all-natural fragrance ingredients” to avoid synthetic fragrances, which may contain harmful chemicals.
Synthetic Dyes
Bright, unnatural colours in candles may indicate the presence of synthetic dyes. These dyes can add unnecessary chemicals that may emit toxins when burned. Choose candles with the natural, creamy colour of non-dyed wax to minimise potential toxins.
Metal-Core Wicks
Wicks should be made from natural fibres without any metal core. Metal cores can release harmful particles, so it is recommended to choose candles with cotton or wood wicks for a safer, cleaner burn.
It is important to read the fine print and ingredient lists carefully when choosing candles. Transparency in labelling and ingredient disclosure is key to making an informed decision. Additionally, proper candle care, such as trimming the wick and ensuring proper ventilation, can also enhance your candle-burning experience and minimise potential risks.
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The best non-toxic alternatives
While candles create a cosy atmosphere, they can also be a source of toxic chemicals that can negatively affect your health and indoor air quality. Many mass-produced candles are made from scented paraffin wax, which releases toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air when burned.
If you're looking for non-toxic alternatives to Anthropologie candles, here are some suggestions:
Linnea Candle, Wood House
Available at Anthropologie, this candle is hand-poured in the USA and made with soy wax and 100% cotton wicks. It has a 60-hour burn time and is a safer alternative to paraffin wax candles.
P.F. Candle Co. Standard Scented Soy Wax Candle
These candles, available on Amazon, are made with pure soy wax and natural fragrances. They offer beautiful scents without polluting your home, and they are free of harmful chemicals.
Beethelight Beeswax Large Pillar Candle
This candle, found at Walmart, is made with 100% USA beeswax and cotton wicks. Beeswax is a natural product, excreted by bees to incubate their larvae. It has a naturally sweet fragrance, depending on the flowers or plants the bees were feeding on.
Antique Candle Co.
This small company from Indiana hand-pours clean, non-toxic, and clean-burning candles. Their Sun-Kissed Citrus scent is a great alternative to Anthropologie's Volcano scent by Capri Blue, without the harmful toxins.
When choosing candles, opt for those made from vegetable waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax. These waxes are non-toxic and, when paired with natural fragrances, create a safer and healthier option for your home. Additionally, candle warmers or lamps can be used with naturally scented soy wax candles to avoid burning and mitigate toxic chemical release.
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Are Anthropologie candles safe?
While there is no definitive answer as to whether Anthropologie candles are safe or not, there are a few things to consider when looking at the safety of candles in general.
Firstly, it's important to look at the type of wax used. The most popular choices are paraffin wax, soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, and palm wax. Paraffin wax, a by-product of the crude oil refinement process, is considered the worst option for health. Studies have shown that burning paraffin candles release organic compounds, including alkanes, wax esters, alkanoic and alkenoic acids, and alkenes. More recent studies have also linked paraffin wax to an increase in volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in indoor air. On the other hand, soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, and palm wax are considered safer alternatives. Soy wax, in particular, has not been found to negatively impact indoor air quality, according to an EPA study. Beeswax is also a natural product with a sweet fragrance, depending on the flowers or plants the bees were feeding on.
In addition to the type of wax, the origin of scents can also be a factor in the safety of candles. Synthetic fragrances are often red flags as they may contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates that can alter hormone balance. Natural fragrances can also be a concern. Therefore, it's important to look at the full ingredient list of a candle to ensure it is non-toxic and safe for indoor use.
Overall, while the specific safety of Anthropologie candles is unclear, there are safer alternatives to traditional paraffin wax candles that may be worth considering to improve indoor air quality and reduce potential health risks.
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The dangers of toxic candles
While there is little scientific evidence to suggest that candles are dangerous to human health, some candles are better than others. Candle chemicals, fragrances, and wax are well-known asthma and allergy irritants.
Paraffin wax, the most prevalent material used for candles in the United States, is believed to be toxic to indoor air quality and humans when inhaled. Burning paraffin wax releases potentially dangerous chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. People exposed to these chemicals have reported headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing.
To reduce exposure to pollutants from scented candles, it is recommended to choose candles manufactured from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. Beeswax is about as natural a product as one can find, and soy wax is considered safe for indoor air quality.
Even though the science is inconclusive, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are worried about the potential negative health effects of burning candles, you can try using alternatives such as ghee and oil lamps, which are smoke-free and less toxic than candles, or flameless candles, which do not pose a fire risk.
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How to find non-toxic candles
While candles are often viewed as a source of ambiance, burning them may expose you to hundreds of different chemicals. Traditional candles, especially paraffin wax candles, can release harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, toluene, and other toxins, contributing to indoor air pollution and leading to potential health issues like headaches, nasal congestion, and allergies.
To find non-toxic candles, opt for those made from natural materials like beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax. These natural waxes burn cleaner and produce fewer harmful byproducts. Beeswax, in particular, is considered one of the cleanest-burning waxes, though some may prefer other waxes for their scent throw. Soy wax is a popular alternative, but ensure it is non-GMO soy to avoid supporting large-scale monoculture farming and toxic persistent pesticides.
When choosing scented candles, opt for those using natural fragrances or essential oils, reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals. Look for candles that are phthalate-free, as these chemicals are often of concern in candle fragrances. Additionally, consider buying from small businesses, as they usually provide candle care instructions or information on their website, helping you burn the candle correctly and extend its life.
Some popular non-toxic candle brands include Antique Candle Co., Fontana Candle Co., and LAFCO. These brands offer candles crafted from natural ingredients, free from synthetic chemicals, and committed to sustainability and ethical practices.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether Anthropologie candles are non-toxic. However, there are non-toxic alternatives available on the market, such as the Antique Candle Co., which hand-pours clean candles.
Conventional candles can release harmful toxins and toxic chemicals into the air, which can be a health risk. Paraffin wax, for example, has been linked to an increase in emissions of volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Soy wax, coconut wax, beeswax, and palm wax are all non-toxic alternatives to paraffin wax.
