Candles: Choose Wisely

The soft, natural light of a candle adds ambiance to any room. When used during a massage, candlelight can help a client relax more deeply. However, there are some precautions to be aware of when choosing and using candles that go beyond basic fire-hazard safety.

In 2001 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report about the contribution of candles and incense to indoor air pollution. The paper concluded that some toxic substances emitted from burning candles—including formaldehyde—exceed EPA standards. (There were also negative links between incense smoke and health, including risk of cancer and dermatitis.)

Of most concern, however, were candles made with lead-based wicks. While most U.S. manufacturers stopped using lead decades ago, some imported candles still contain them.

Although the EPA report did not differentiate between candles made from different kinds of wax, manufacturers of beeswax and soy-wax candles emphasize that because their products are natural, they pose no risk of harmful emissions when burned.

Here is more information about candle materials:

Paraffin: Paraffin is the most common and least-expensive wax used for making candles. A derivative of petroleum, the wax is translucent white, is easily dyed and scented, and burns quickly. Most paraffin candles use a stabilizer, such as stearin, to help slow the burn and increase the duration of the candle. Paraffin produces an odorless smoke.

The Children’s Health Environmental Coalition warns that one of the organic compounds found in soot caused by candle burning—benzene, which can lead to cancer and neurological damage—is a byproduct of petroleum. Scented candles produce the most soot.

Beeswax: Beeswax is naturally formed by bees to seal their honeycombs. It has a golden tallow color and emits a slight odor of honey when burned. Beeswax candles burn slower than paraffin, and are sometimes more difficult to light. They are not scented or dyed, which make them a good alternative if you have clients with fragrance sensitivities or asthma. They also produce less soot. They are typically more expensive than other candles.

Soy wax: Made from soybeans, this wax has no known health risk. Soy wax also burns more slowly than paraffin but not as long as beeswax. However, soy wax candles tend to burn down the center along the wick, instead of burning evenly across the candle diameter, creating a cone effect.

Scented versus non-scented: Most scented candles contain large amounts of synthetic fragrance, and create more soot. The fragrance and the emissions from burning scented candles may be irritating to those with allergies and can be toxic to birds kept indoors. Beeswax candles smell naturally like honey.

Other concerns: Candles imported from other countries may contain lead wicks, or chemicals that are banned in the United States. To be safe, only buy candles from U.S. manufacturers.

Candle spills: There is no use crying over spilled wax, but getting it out of your carpet can be a chore. Next time, try this: Scrape away as much wax as possible. Then lay a piece of a brown paper bag on top of the spill, and hold the tip of warm iron on the bag until the wax melts and adheres to it.

— Kelle Walsh