Problem Scents

An estimated 95 percent of the scent-producing compounds in typical candles are synthetic petroleum-based chemicals. "And when these candles are heated, they release the toxin formaldehyde, which seeps into skin and mucous membranes to instantly trigger headaches, dizziness and rashes that can resemble acne," asserts Baillie-Hamilton. "What's more, while people light scented candles to help improve mood, regular exposure to formaldehyde is actually linked to depression." The synthetic-free switch: soy-based essential-oil candles. They're available in a variety of scents at natural-health stores and at www.ASuperiorCandle.com.

Watch Your Wick.

Candles with stiff metal wicks likely harbor lead. Short-term exposure to the neurotoxic metal causes cognitive symptoms like brain fog, forgetfulness and easy distractibility. And long-term exposure is associated with serious concerns like high blood pressure. Lead is banned in candle-making in the U.S. But imported candles and candles made before 2003 can still feature lead wicks. Scan the labels of new candles to make sure they have cotton or paper wicks, and pinch the wicks of candles you already own--a soft one means it's metal-free. Throw out any candles with hard wicks.

Are they really better?

All candles release small amounts of smoke, even the "all natural" varieties. When you light a candle, you melt the wax in and near the wick. The wick absorbs the liquid wax and pulls it upward. The heat of the flame vaporizes the wax, and it is the wax vapor that burns.

The research is inconclusive, but it would only seem logical that since paraffin wax is a heavy hydrocarbon that comes from crude oil, it will produce carcinogens and soot when burned. In fact, the EPA reports that when candles are burned, they emit trace amounts of organic chemicals, including acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, acrolein, and naphthalene (Lau et al., 1997).

So are soy, palm, beeswax, and other natural waxes better? That's for you to decide, but some benefits of natural wax candles are that they are non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, environmentally friendly, are biodegradable and water soluble - spills are easily cleaned up with hot water; they also burn cooler, and more uniformly so they last up to 50% longer!

A Word Of Caution

Remember, no matter what kind of candles you decide to burn, you are playing with fire - literally! Use candles with care and always follow these tips from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA):

* Never leave a burning candle unattended. "This is an open flame. A candle needs someone in the room with it at all times," Comoletti says.

* Place a burning candle at least one foot from anything that can burn, such as books or curtains that could be blowing in the wind.

* Don't put a candle on a low table, since it could easily be knocked over. A dog could topple a burning candle with a wagging tail, or the candle may be within a child's reach.

* Don't burn candles in bedrooms; 41 percent of candle fires begin in the bedroom, the NFPA reports.