Organic Candles

Spending a little more money or time locating organic non-toxic candles appears to be worth it in regards to your indoor air environment and your health. Most conventional candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, which has been linked to poor indoor air quality.
Paraffin candles release a petro-carbon soot that stains your walls, furniture and is circulated through your air ducts. This soot, according to the American Lung Association, contains 11 documented toxins, two of which are known carcinogens — toluene and benzene.
Some paraffin candle makers are still using lead core wicks which when heated emit lead particulates into the air, which can then be inhaled. 100% of lead that is inhaled is absorbed into the bloodstream. Children’s developing bodies are particularly vulnerable. Chronic low-level lead exposure, as seen with lead wick use, has been found to produce permanent neuro-psychological defects and behavior disorders in children, including low IQ, short attention span, hyperactive behavior, and motor difficulties.
There is no longer a need to buy paraffin candles due to the wide availability of soy candles and beeswax candles, and to a lesser extent bayberry candles and even tapioca wax candles. Green Promise has compiled a list of our favorite organic candle suppliers. Buying organic candles supports organic farmers who practice environmentally and socially responsible forms of agriculture. Beeswax and soy candles both burn cleaner than petroleum-based candles plus they are renewable.