Pretty Candles, Ugly Secrets: The Truth About What You’re Really Breathing In
Ah, candles. They’re the epitome of cozy nights, romantic dinners, and those self-care baths that everyone raves about. But hold on a second—have you ever wondered what's actually burning in those seemingly innocent little jars? Spoiler alert: it’s not just the sweet scent of vanilla and lavender.
Before we dive into the murky water of candle ingredients, I just want to give a big shout out to our girl, Gabrielle Scott, curator of GS Home and Body, for spilling the tea-or should I say wax.
Scott recently shared a post revealing the nasty little secret that most of those store-bought candles are hiding behind their aromatic selling points. They’re basically chemical cocktails in disguise. The main culprit? Paraffin wax. Sounds innocent, right? Well, it’s a byproduct of petroleum—the same stuff used to fuel your car. When burned, paraffin releases toxic compounds, such as toluene and benzene into the air, according to Scott. Simply put, you’re breathing in the same chemicals found in car exhaust. And you thought you were just setting the mood!
Now, let’s talk about what toluene and benzene can do to your health, especially when it comes to reproductive health, because Scott’s informative iG dump has me shook. Toluene, for instance, is known to cause headaches and dizziness, but it doesn’t stop there. Exposure to toluene can also mess with your reproductive system, leading to decreased fertility in both men and women. In women, it’s been linked to menstrual irregularities and even early menopause. For men, toluene can reduce sperm count and quality, which isn’t exactly the result you’re hoping for when you’re trying to set a romantic atmosphere. ;)
Benzene, on the other hand, is no better. This nasty chemical has been classified as a carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. But it also has serious implications for reproductive health. Prolonged exposure to benzene has been associated with reproductive issues like reduced ovarian function in women and lowered testosterone levels in men. And if you’re pregnant or planning to be, here’s the kicker: both toluene and benzene exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects and developmental issues in the fetus. So, while you’re trying to create a serene, relaxing environment, you could inadvertently be exposing yourself and your future children to some pretty serious risks.
And let’s not forget about those pretty, colorful candles. The dyes used can release heavy metals like lead. Yes, you read that right—lead! Because who doesn’t want a side of heavy metals with their ambiance, am I right?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Well, what am I supposed to do? Just sit in the dark?” Not so fast! There’s a way to keep your home smelling fabulous without the side of toxins.
There are plenty of safer alternatives that won’t compromise on ambiance or scent. If you’re looking to skip candles altogether, essential oil diffusers and Himalayan salt lamps can fill your space with natural scents and warm, calming light without any of the toxic side effects. But if candles are your jam, opt for beeswax candles, which are all-natural and even purify the air as they burn. Try candles made from coconut or palm wax, both of which are sustainable and biodegradable.
Like a brush of fresh air, GS Home and Body candles can be that scented savior. Instead of relying on paraffin wax, GS Home and Body candles are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients like their signature coconut apricot wax. Coconut Apricot wax doesn’t release harmful chemicals when burned, so you can breathe easy. And those intoxicating scents? They come from natural 100% essential oils, not a lab full of synthetic scents and chemicals. That means no phthalates, no hormone disruption, just pure, lovely aromas.
Plus, GS Home and Body candles are handcrafted with care, so you’re getting a quality product that’s as good for the environment as it is for your peace of mind. It's like the difference between a homemade pie and a store-bought one—sure, the latter is convenient, but you know the homemade one is where the love (and non-toxic goodness) is.
So, next time you’re tempted by a cheap, chemical-laden candle, just remember what’s lurking inside. Or better yet, skip the worry altogether and light up a GS Home and Body candle instead. Your respiratory system (and your hormones) will thank you.
Want to Dig Deeper? Here’s Some Light Reading:
1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Dangers of Paraffin Wax - The EPA sheds some light on the pollutants released by paraffin candles.
2. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) on Phthalates - Get the lowdown on how phthalates mess with your hormones.
3. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Reproductive Effects of Toluene and Benzene - How exposure to these chemicals affects fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
4. American Lung Association: Indoor Air Pollutants - How candles and other household items contribute to indoor air pollution.
So go ahead, enlighten yourself—pun intended. And make the switch to GS Home and Body candles.