Question! How to choose a quality candle

There's something so attractive about burning candles - perhaps it appeals to our genetic memory, our fascination with fire and is a reminder of simpler times. The Egyptians and Cretans made candles from beeswax, as long as 5,000 years ago.

Paraffin wax - not so green
Most cheap candles you buy at the supermarket are made from paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of oil refining. Even the wicks of some candles can cause problems - they may have a lead or other type of metal core that release toxic emissions during burning.
Paraffin wax consists of alkane hydrocarbons and melts between 47°C and 65°C (around 120° to 150° F). It is derived from light lubricating oil distillates. When burned, the fumes can contain a number of carcinogens including Acetaldehyde, Acrolein, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and Toulene.
As the carbon within paraffin wax was was originally deep underground in oil deposits, when they are burned the carbon they contain is released into the atmosphere, adding just a little bit more to the already high levels present.
Unfortunately, by using paraffin based candles, we are helping to support the environmentally destructive oil industry and further poisoning our air.

Lead/metal wicks
The lead core wick issue shouldn't be such a problem in the USA and Australia now, but I'm not sure about other countries.
In the USA, voluntary agreements between manufacturers not to use lead cores were in place since the 1970's. Unfortunately, some cheap imports continued to contain lead wicks. In 2003, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) formally banned the import, manufacture and sale of candles with lead-cored wicks. Australia banned candles with lead core wicks in 1999.
The problem is most of us stash away candles for emergencies and they can go unused for many years, so there's still probably millions of lead core wick candles laying around the place.
Some lead core wick candles emit lead levels in excess of 3,000 micrograms per hour - about seven times the rate considered unsafe. Lead is a cumulative poison and never leaves the body - a dose here and and dose there can build up. It not only affects humans, but all animals and can be passed along the food chain.
If you have old candles, inspect the wick and look for a thin wire in the center. Separate the core from the wrapping if need be to be sure. If there is a wire, there is a possibility it's not lead as some manufacturers now use zinc or tin instead; but there's some debate as to the safety of these elements too. There's also the damage that the mining industry wreaks on the environment to consider.
On top of all this are some of the synthetic chemicals that are used in scented candles which can also give off environmentally damaging emissions.

Earth friendly candles
Perhaps it's 'extreme green' to concern ourselves with such seemingly small things, but all of us can make minor adjustments in our lifestyles to have less impact on our environment. For one person, it might be to cut down driving, for someone else it might be purchasing candles that are more earth friendly. Every small change makes a difference if it's multiplied millions of times.
There are many alternatives to paraffin wax candles, but it's important to note that the burning of just about any substance will create some sort of emission, and even "green" substances can be toxic.
For example, never burn oleander as the smoke is definitely toxic and can kill you - but I doubt very much you'll ever see oleander candles for sale. I guess what I'm trying to say is be careful of outlandish claims of greenness in any products - the key is all things in moderation. Many alternative wax candles may also contain some paraffin to assist with burning.
Of the alternative waxes available on the market, soy wax or bees wax candles are probably the most popular. Both these substance have a lower melting point; so if you live in an area where it's extremely hot, try and store them in a cool place or at least lay them flat in storage to prevent them from wilting. In my shed in the outback, I saw even the paraffin candles I had in candleholders winding up looking like soggy celery after a hot day!
Usually if you buy scented beeswax or soy candles, the scent will be from natural oils rather than synthetic chemicals, but it's always wise to check to make sure. The same goes for the wick - it should be made of recycled cotton, hemp or recycled paper fiber.

Toxic Candles

Candles!

I enjoy using candles. Candles are warming, romantic, inspiring. Relaxing, comforting, symbolic. Burning them conjure different emotional responses for everyone who delights in them. Consumer reports indicate that candles are ‘in’ once again. Perhaps a 70’s revival or a nesting desire in increasingly troubled times.
Yet do we ever think about what it really is that we are burning or inhaling?
Paraffin candles are the most commonly burned candles worldwide. And are the most dangerous to our health.
Paraffin is an inexpensive sludge waste product of the petroleum industry that has been bleached then texturised with acrolyn, a known carcinogenic product. Supposedly an inert substance, if you have much faith in government/industry released information. However, once burned it releases toxins that are known carcinogens such as benzene and toluene which are inhaled and linger in the areas they are burned in. Not to mention the soot that leaves its residue on walls, eventually greying fabrics and ceilings. Soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins found in diesel fuel.
Paraffin candles are as dangerous to the lungs as second-hand smoke and even more so if you are in the habit of burning many at the same time. It is also a non-renewable resource. Ever smell one? They stink.
Supposedly, paraffin for candles is ‘food grade’ – clearly a lie. The problem appears when we burn them. It is no longer recommended to be used in contact with food – remember grandmother sealing the jams with a layer of paraffin? Yes, we survived that era but life was simpler and cleaner then. Today we have to deal with cumulative factors detrimental to our health that never existed before.
Then there is the problem with lead in the wicks. Though lead has not been used since the 70’s in most of Central Europe and the USA, cheaper candles from other countries such as Asia or South America can still be seen on the market. Burning only a few with leaded wicks for 3 hours will increase levels 9 to 11 times over acceptable lead levels.
Gel candles though pretty because of the crystal clearness are likewise petroleum based or made from synthetic hydrocarbons. Think of them as petroleum turned into jelly with a few more added toxins thrown in such as butylated hydroxyl toluene. Pretty, but absolutely not a good idea.
Soy candles are relatively new on the selection palate and began appearing early 90’s. Invented in the USA and made from hydrogenated soy, palm and coconut oils, soy candles burn slower and last about 50% longer than paraffin candles. They burn cooler and have very little soot, and drips are easily cleaned up however, the flame is not considered a ‘warm’ flame. Some feel the ‘magic’ is missing with soy candles. By purchasing soy candles, you are supporting the omnipresent American soy industry which farms mostly genetically manipulated soy. Soy candles lay in price between the cheaper paraffin candles and beeswax candles. Soy tapers may bend at warm room temperatures and are often blended with stearin (stearic acid) a substance derived from animal or vegetable sources to harden them.
Beeswax candles. Ahh…my absolute favourite. Warm and sweet smelling, they symbolize for me a connection to the Earth. Beeswax is a by-product of honey and is made from the ‘caps’ of the honeycomb. These are the most expensive candles, but are price effective as they last up to three times longer than paraffin and twice as long as soy candles. Unlike paraffin, they are from a sustainable source – originating from flowers, fuelled by the sun and processed by bees.
They burn cleanly, don’t drip when properly used and give off negative ions that help concentration and clear the air. They are also non-allergenic and can help soothe the symptoms of hay fever, asthma and allergy sufferers. Natural beeswax candles are commonly golden to amber but can also be found almost black. Ivory coloured candles have gone through a special process to lighten them, which unfortunately weakens the natural honey scent. When purchasing, be certain that the label states 100% beeswax – some countries allow as little as 10% beeswax to still be labelled ‘beeswax’. A ‘blended’ beeswax candle most assuredly has paraffin or stearin.
Natural beeswax candles are a healthy, soothing comfort for us too. They feel warm to the touch, and are simply magical!