Candles help set the mood in your home, and can add a sense of warmth and relaxation. However, there are some ingredients in many candles that add harmful pollutants to your homes air quality.

Most of the candles on the market are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum also contain synthetic fragrances which are also derived from petroleum. Less common are candles that are made from plant oils such as soybean oil, palm oil, hemp oil, or from beeswax. Research has shown that when paraffin wax candles are burned for over five hours inside a chamber there are measurable amounts of chemicals emitted. Experts found varying levels of cancer-causing toluene and benzene, as well as other hydrocarbon chemicals called alkanes and alkenes, which are components of gasoline and can irritate respiratory tracts and trigger asthma.

Chemicals that reduce your indoor air quality aren’t the only problem associated with paraffin candles. Previous research into candle pollution found paraffin that candles can emit ultrafine, lung-damaging particulate matter that’s capable of penetrating deep into the lungs. The harmful effects can be long lasting since candle soot can deposit on furniture, in carpeting, and in walls.

Nature’s Fare Markets proudly offers a variety of locally harvested beeswax and non-GMO soy candles.

Try these tips to enjoy candles without polluting your indoor air:

• Beeswax Candles. Paraffin candles release chemicals because of improper combustion; meaning that the flame doesn’t get hot enough to burn the oil completely, and chemicals are released as a result. Beeswax candles burn at lower temperatures and don’t have that problem. They also add a hint of sweet honey aroma to the air without any added chemical fragrances. Some people believe that the negative ions in the beeswax actually improve your indoor air quality as the candles burn.

• Don’t Burn GMOs or Rainforests. Many soy candles are made from genetically modified (GMO) soybeans, which decrease biodiversity and can contaminate organic soybean crops. Palm oil, another vegetable wax used in candles, comes from palm tree plantations, for which rainforests were burned or clear-cut. Know the source of your product and ask questions.

• Choose Natural Scents. Even beeswax and plant wax candles can be scented with synthetic fragrances, which can contain phthalates that can interfere with your hormone system. Phthalates can also build up in household dust and linger for long periods. So if you’re going for scented candles look for ones that are scented with natural essential oils rather than chemical fragrances.

• Trim the wicks, and Burn Safely. Keeping wicks trimmed to approximately ¼” will cut down on any soot that may come from candles, soy wax, beeswax or otherwise. Also, keep candles out of drafty windows where drapes may come in contact with the flame. Most importantly, never leave a burning candle unattended.