Are Everyday Candles Destroying Your Home And Health?

Did you know that most candles are made from the sludge in the bottom of a barrel of oil which is bleached and texturized with a chemical called acrolein?

They’re called paraffin candles and burning one puts all the same horrible toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents) into the air in your home that burning diesel fuel in your home would.

The National Candle Association estimates that more than 7 million people in the US alone burn candles every year.

But testing by the EPA has confirmed that those candles, and the smoke and soot they give off, contain several dangerous chemicals in significant quantities. These chemicals include known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins.

The American Lung Association also warns that burning paraffin candles can emit toxins (in measurable amounts) into your home’s air.

It might shock you to learn that after burning just a few paraffin candles in your home, the overall effect on the quality of the air in your home could be worse than the air in major cities like Los Angeles!

Not only is your health affected, but the health of your pets and children as well.

Cathy Flanders who has been at the forefront of addressing health and safety issues involving candles says, “With the current ‘candle-craze’ and increased candle burning in homes, expectant Moms need to be aware of the fact that the emissions from some candles are toxic, reproductive toxins, neuro-toxins and/or carcinogens. This has been a growing cause for concern for the EPA and children’s health agencies.”

And it might hit your pocket book soon too. Not only is the price of oil spiraling out of control, but you might have a nasty surprise the next time you go to renew your homeowners insurance.

The NIA Group (Insurance and Financial Services) lists the following problems with paraffin candles in an article on their website:

They go on to say…

“Another surprise is that the candle-making industry is not required to tell consumers about the ingredients used in their products, including when a wick is used which contains a lead core.”

No one knows for sure if paraffin candles cause cancer, but there are at least 4 cancer-causing chemicals associated with paraffin candles.

The EPA lists these chemicals on their website:

Would you burn animal fat in your home?

Most of us would answer an emphatic “No!” or “Yuck!” to that question, but like something straight out of a horror movie, you might react in horror to realize that you probably are burning animal fat in your home when you burn paraffin candles.

That’s because many paraffin candles contain large amounts of animal fats to give them a more textured or rustic look.

So what’s the alternative?

Believe it or not, the answer comes from soybeans.

The soy plant produces a waxy substance that not only burns cooler, but can burn up to 50% longer than paraffin wax.

Since soy wax is derived from plants, it’s a renewable resource that’s a pleasure for candle makers to work with.

Some of the surprising benefits of soy candles include:

* Burn with no toxins, carcinogens or choking soot.
* Burn up to 50% longer than paraffin candles.
* Cruelty-free, contain no animal fats.
* Non-toxic, biodegradable, derived from a renewable resource.
* Cleans up easily with soap and hot water.
* Better for the environment.
* Use no nasty chemicals to release fragrance.
* Supports the American farmer – not foreign oil.

As more and more people learn about the harmful effects of burning paraffin candles in their homes, they’re substituting soy candles with surprising results.

Karen Key, a mother of three in Washington state, had this to say,

“I’m asthmatic and when I burn paraffin candles in my home, or get around smoke or perfumy scents, my airway closes down and I start to panic. So I was more than a little nervous when a friend lit a scented soy candle in front of me. I have to say I’m completely amazed. Shocked is a better word. With soy candles I now have no problem breathing and I can finally enjoy the beauty and magic of candles in my home once again!”

So the next time you want to create a warm, inviting, and romantic atmosphere in your home, don’t destroy your home – or your health, choose all-natural soy candles as a healthy alternative.

To learn more about the dangers of paraffin candles you can go to any of the following websites:

http://www.epa.gov

http://www.soycandlemaker.biz

http://www.scorecard.org

http://www.webref.org

http://www.fpinva.org

To reach the author or SoyCandleMaker, learn more about soy candles or start your own fun and highly profitable soy candle making business go to:

http://www.soycandlemaker.biz
“The most fun you’ll have making money!”

You can also download a free ebook on the topic at:
http://www.soycandlemaker.biz/freeebook.html

Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as simple as an aromatherapy candle could help you relax and feel happier. But not all scented candles have this effect. Let’s find out how to select an aromatherapy candle that can lift your mood.

When you burn an aromatherapy candle, it releases small quantities of essential oils. The chemicals penetrate your body and effect your brain in a certain way. Of course an aromatherapy candle can’t cure severe depression or anxiety, but it definitely can help you to relax after a busy day at work.

Not all scented candles have a therapeutic effect. For the proper effect, only quality essential oils should be used. Essential oils are derived from plants and herbs. An aromatherapy candle should have display a label that reads “pure essential oils”

Top quality scented aromatherapy candles are made from soy wax or bees wax, not paraffin, which is the material most commonly used in cheap scented candles. It has several disadvantages – being petroleum based it releases harmful soot, which leaves ugly, dark spots on your furniture and is harmful when you inhale it. So it doesn’t make much sense to add quality natural essential oils to candles made of paraffin. Look for soy wax aromatherapy candles.

Which scent gives what effect?

For mental alertness and improved memory

Ginger essential oils are known to promote courage, confidence, to clear the head and improve memory. So if you have a load of work or study in front of you, a ginger scented aromatic candle is a good choice. Ginger scent also helpful if you feel purposelessness, confused, or lacking direction.

Relaxation

Lavender is one of the most popular scents used in aromatherapy, and for good reason – lavender will help you to relax, feel peaceful, and feel comfortable. It soothes both body and soul. Another scent for relaxation is tangerine, which not only helps you to let go of your troubles but also energizes you and makes you feel happier.

Fight anxiety

Bergamot, lavender and sandalwood are said to help, if you are having anxiety attacks

To combat stress

If stress is a constant part of your life, try to burn a chamomile, lavender or sandalwood scented candle. They produce a calming effect

For a happy mood

If you are feeling sad for no apparent reason, a bergamot scented candle can lift your mood. Bergamot has many effects – it helps you to calm down, relax and feel happy.

An aromatherapy candle can make you feel happier in many ways. The essential oils not only interact with your body, but seeing a warm and peaceful candle and inhaling a pleasant smell also has a postivie psychological effect. Give yourself a treat.

Tanya Turner is a candle-making expert and a founder of http://www.BestScentedCandles.info, where you can find information about all types of candles, how to make them and where to get best aromatherapy candles

Make Gel Candles in 11 Easy Steps

Do you love burning beautiful, scented candles? And do you know that you can easily make them yourself? It is exciting and not at all difficult. Here are 12 easy steps to creating unique candles that you can burn at home, give as gifts, or even sell.

Materials for gel candle making

You will need:

• gel
• zinc wicks (cotton wicks can’t be used for gel candles because they absorb too much gel)
• essential oil for fragrance
• liquid color dye
• embeds (optional)

All these materials can be obtained online from candle making suppliers. It is important to use essential oils and colors specially made for gel candles; fragrance oils you can buy in a cosmetic shop are not suitable. Also, you can buy a gel candle making kit. Getting a kit is the best solution for a beginner, because it will include everything you need to make your first few candles.

And of course you will need a container. The best container for a gel candle is glass, so people can see the embeds you put inside the candle, but any non-flammable container would do. You can use any glass, wine glass, or even a small wide vase, but your container should be at least 2 inches in diameter. Garage sales and second hand stores are gold mines, when it comes to candle containers.

For embeds you can use anything non-flammable – colored aquarium gravel, marbles, glitter, sand, sea shells, pebbles, crystals, polished stones, artificial jewels or pearls.

Steps to making a gel candle

1. Place a little bit of hot glue in the center of the container bottom. Stick the wick in it and let the glue set.
2. Cut the gel into small pieces so it melts faster and more evenly. Melt it in a stainless steel pot over a medium heat.
3. The trickiest part is the temperature – you should get it to exactly 200°F, because overheated gel looses its clarity. For that, you will need a suitable thermometer.
4. Maintain the temperature at 200°; all the gel should melt and become smooth, like syrup.
5. Add color dye to the melted gel, a little bit at a time, until you get the desired color – remember, you can always add more dye to make the color stronger, but you can’t take dye away. For a candle with embedded objects, you should use only a little color, so the objects remain visible
Tip! Soy wax candles contain hydrogenated soybean oil as their chief ingredient. Candles with varying strengths and melting points are made adding some other materials in different proportions.
6. Add the fragrance – 1/3 teaspoon for each glass of melted gel will give it a nice scent. For a stronger scent, add a bit more fragrance.
7. Heat the container in the oven or microwave to about 150-160°F. This will help to reduce the appearance of bubbles
8. If you want to use embeds, dip them in hot gel first and then arrange them in the container as you like. It is better to keep the objects closer to the sides of the container – they will be easier to see, this way.
Tip! Soy wax candles burn substantially longer than petroleum wax and more uniform.
9. Now it is time to pour your gel into the container. Place your container on a level surface and pour the gel slowly and carefully down the side. If it is your first time, you will probably get a few bubbles; to avoid that, the gel should be still very hot.
10. Pull the wick up. Roll it on a pencil to keep it straight.
Tip! Soy wax candles are biodegradable and easily cleaned up with soap and water.
11. Let the candle cool. Trim the wick and you are done! You have a beautiful, unique gel candle, made by yourself.

Tanya Turner is a candle-making expert and a founder of http://www.BestScentedCandles.info, where you can find information about all types of candles, how to make them and where to get best scented candles

Candles have been an important staple in civilization for centuries. First used as a primary source of light, they have grown to be used for much, much more. Today, candles are still used for the soft and romantic light they provide; however, they are used more for a pleasant atmosphere rather than a necessity as they once were. In addition, candles are frequently used in cultural and religious ceremonies in times of sadness, and also in times of great joy. Decorative candles are found in homes around the world, often in beautiful centerpieces or displayed on fireplace mantles for all to enjoy. And scented candles? There are few things better than entering a room where a sweetly scented candle is burning.

According to the Home Fragrance and Candle Report 2005, the market for candles reached $8.4 billion in 2004, a growth of 14.1% over the previous year. Also in 2004, over 80% of American adults purchased some form of candle or home fragrance product. The candle industry has grown tremendously since the 19th century when they started being marketed, and demand for candle products by consumers has grown even faster. To cater to consumers, candle companies offer such a large variety of candles and scents, that it can sometimes be quite a daunting task to choose which candles to purchase.

Not only are candles extremely popular for home fragrance, there is a growing community of chandlers who make candles into art forms. In craft and specialty shops everywhere, and also on millions of web sites, you will see unique candles; some hand carved, some sculpted, some molded, and others. Although no one may ever know the true extent of the variety out there, one thing can be said for certain; these artistic candles are just about too pretty to burn. In addition to the beautiful carved candles, consumers can find a plethora of personalized candles and accessories. Lanterns, also known as hurricanes, are hollow pillar or bowl shaped “containers” made of candle wax. The idea is to burn tea light inside, and the lantern will glow to provide a warm and soft glow. Many chandlers personalize these lanterns for customers by superimposing pictures, flowers and herbs, and more. Another very unique candle idea is the “hand candle.” Customers can dip their hands into warm wax several times to make a thick layer. When the wax has cooled and hardened, the wax “hand” is removed, a wick is inserted through the fingertips, and more wax is then poured into the cavity. This produces a one of a kind candle that can be burned or kept for memories.

Home candle making is a growing pastime, with new chandlers every day. Many start by making candles as a hobby, or they make them as gifts for friends and family. The “bug” soon takes hold, however, and the hobby can quickly turn into a business. Some home chandlers discover new tricks or techniques and end up with a totally unique and beautiful product, while others work to perfect the tried and true candle styles. Some of the most beautiful candles in the world are those that are handmade in someone’s home where they have devoted many hours of time and effort into producing candles that not only smell great and look beautiful, but also burn extremely well.

Whether an entrepreneur, a hobbyist, or a consumer, candles are an important part of everyday life. Looking back through history, candles were a building block to modern society. Once used as necessity, they have become a joy to people everywhere, and a universal symbol of hope. Like no other product, candles provide ceremony, romance, fragrance, and beauty that will last a lifetime. When a candle is lit, it truly feels like home.

Kathleen Savoie is an accomplished chandler and soap maker who writes many free articles and tutorials on the subjects of candle making and soap making, among other bath and beauty products.

More articles and detailed candle and soap making instructions can be found at her web site, Suds and Wicks. Also available is a free link directory for crafters and suppliers, and a community forum.

Soy wax candles, as the name suggests, are made from soy wax. In the early 1990s, Michael Richards, a candle maker by profession, wanted to cash on the growing demand for natural wax candles, and decided to create and alternative candle wax. Beeswax had been commonly used for candle making until then. It was 10 times costlier than paraffin. Following a series of experiments with plant waxes, Michael succeeded in creating a wax using hydrogenated soy oil. Initially, this wax was mixed with beeswax to create a cheaper material for candles. Soy wax candles were first launched in 1995 by the Body Shop chain of stores. These candles contained some quantities of beeswax and almond oil. Pure soy wax candles were first manufactured in 1996.

Soy wax candles contain hydrogenated soybean oil as their chief ingredient. Candles with varying strengths and melting points are made adding some other materials in different proportions. The soybean oil helps to lower the melting point, resulting in a more even burning. This low heat wax is ideal for making scented candles since lower heat helps in dispersing more fragrance. Soy wax candles produce low quantities of soot, and are less toxic.

Soy wax candles are biodegradable. They emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, when compared to paraffin wax candles. Moreover, no animal products are used. People who are environmentally conscious therefore, prefer these candles. Another major promoter of soy wax candles is the farming community, as it is another market for them to sell their soybeans to. The wide usage of soy candles helps the United States to reduce the use of paraffin, thereby reducing the need for petroleum imports for candle making.

Soy Candles provides detailed information on Soy Candles, Soy Wax Candles, Wholesale Soy Candles, Scented Soy Candles and more. Soy Candles is affiliated with Discount Yarn.

Candles have been around for many, many years, but it was not too long ago that candles were just a means of getting some light in a room when the power went out, and they were a necessity for such emergencies. Nowadays, the role of candles has changed. Some are beautiful works of art which it seems a shame to light, others are a custom scented candle lit and used for relaxation purposes, with their perfume permeating the air. Candles are used for decorating rooms, too. The choice is yours, and you have a wide array of colours and shapes to choose from.

Nothing says relaxation and romance like a candle lit room. It seems to make the rest of the world disappear from sight, so you see only that which is in the candle’s light. This is a good way to forget the worries of the day, and is an inexpensive way of doing so too. Give it a try one evening when you feel stressed and feel the tension disappear in a puff of smoke as you light your candles.

Candles are available for purchase in a variety of places, from basic emergency candles in the local hardware stores, to wide selections in the local dollar store, to beautiful artistic creations in home decor stores. There are candles for every occasion too, for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc., and for people with a variety of interests. Some candles have flowers in them as decoration, others are decorated with shells, or imitation fish or … there is a lot of choice out there.

Along with the huge variety of candles, and the ability to make your own custom scented candle, comes an equally large variety of candle holders. To make the burning of candles as safe as possible, they need to be in a safe holder, or on a plate or in a tin, but even so, there are candle holders that appeal to all sorts of different tastes. There are wall candle holders as well as candelabras, and numerous glass containers of various shapes and colours that, provided the candles are inserted properly and the glass placed on a flat surface, will be safe for you to burn.

Another advantage of candles, is that you can easily make them yourself, decorating them, colouring them, and adding essential oils to make a custom scented candle to help set a certain mood. Candle making is a good project for a family and a way of making inexpensive gifts at any time of the year and for any occasion. You can also make candle gift baskets with the theme, or colour scheme of your choice.

You can vary your candles too by using soy instead of paraffin wax, or bees wax for more environmentally friendly candles, or you can use gel for candles. This is available in many different colours and shades, and is very effective. Of course you can use different shaped containers for the wax, tins or jars and you can decorate them as you see fit. Or you can make floating candles, using a wide base for the candle to help it float.

The choices for candles are many, but there are advantages to a custom scented candle. You can make it the shape and colour of your choice, and with the scent of your choice, or you an use essential oils to turn it into an aromatherapy candle. Make your choice and enjoy!

Al Jackson takes pride in being a complete non-techie who, despite the challenges of life with her particular husband and daughters, enjoys creating websites intended to inform, entertain, and help, others. Her website http://www.candles-alight.com is a compilation of the many aspects of candles and candle making, combining the expertise of others with personal insights.