The National Candle Association recommends people who are environmentally conscious, in addition to being health-conscious, burn soy candles instead of ordinary paraffin candles because soy candles burn longer and cleaner, they are non-toxic with no petrol-carbon soot. The soy candles come from a renewable source, soy grows from the ground like other plants where as paraffin candles contribute to the dependency on crude oil, most are made of some type of petroleum or animal fat or a combination of the two.
Paraffin wax candles release thick black soot when burned, as well as 11 documented toxins, two that are carcinogenic – toluene and benzene. The American Lung Association has warned consumers of unhealthy indoor air quality from breathing paraffin candles.
A scented candle, usually made out of soy, has essential oils and can be used as an aromatherapy candle to help assuage a number of ailments in people, simply by having them breathe the candle’s powerful scents.
Lavender is a good example of an essential oil in a soy candle that can help people with several health issues such as depression, insomnia, headaches and nausea.
The National Candle Association recommends several tips for candle burning to keep a person, their family and home safe. First and foremost, always burn a candle within sight. In other words, never leave a candle unattended. Be sure to extinguish all candles when leaving the room and prior to going to sleep. Nearly 40 percent of residential candle fires reportedly occur because candles were left unattended, inadequately controlled, or abandoned.
It may sound like common sense but people still burn candles near flammable items such as curtains or on tablecloths. Candles should never be burned near or on anything that could catch on fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, curtains, bedding, carpeting, paper, books, flammable decorations, etc. The National Candle Association reports that 20 percent of all residential candle fires occur because a combustible item was placed too close to an open flame from a candle.
People think of candles as decorations before they think of them as a light source and therefore burn them wherever they may be sitting, in the living room, bedroom, bathroom or family room.