Candles and Their Effect on Air Quality
Candles make their way into almost every American household, whether reserved for special holidays and celebrations or everyday décor. Unfortunately, with the use of candles, indoor air quality is sure to decline.
Candles and other home cleaning supplies, from detergents to soaps to air fresheners, all release irritants into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution. Air inside of our homes can be dirtier than the air outside without proper care.
When it comes to burning candles and high indoor air quality, search for greener options to protect home comfort and safety.
Dangers of Toxic Candles
Candles are traditionally made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. The wax itself is odorless and oftentimes white or without color. Paraffin is known to melt easily, but it is not the friendliest of waxes.
As paraffin candles burn, they release toxic chemicals called benzene, linked to cancer risks, and toluene, a chemical also found in paints, into the air. Their soot and smoke work into the ductwork and central air system, making it possible for these toxins to spread throughout the entire home.
Stick to Clean Candles or Flame-free Aromatherapy
If you want to create a home environment that is absolutely safe from airborne toxins and irritants, it is best to get rid of any candles and switch all cleaning supplies to greener options.
Still, having candles can be a relaxing experience. Vegetable wax and beeswax candles are relatively new, but are non-toxic. Because these alternatives are more work than paraffin candles, manufacturers may create a candle wax blend, which should be avoided just as any 100 percent paraffin wax candle.
In addition, search for candles that have cotton wicks. Lead wicks release dangerous levels of toxins into the air as they burn. It is uncommon to see such wicks today, but double-check to avoid the risk of contaminating your home air.
At the very least, try sticking to candles with the most natural ingredients to limit the amount of irritants released into the air. This will make the entire candle-burning experience cleaner and healthier.
If it is the aromatherapy aspect of candles you enjoy, consider a candle-free option. Essential oils can be used in baths or with diffusers that require no open flame, no toxic wax and even less maintenance and care.
Clean Air with Your Central Air System
Service Champions technicians know the value of good, clean home air. Elevating indoor air quality can be done right from your furnace and air conditioner. With the assistance of power filters and superior air cleaning systems, up to 99.9 percent of airborne pathogens and particles are removed from your home air supply.
These cleaning systems attach to your central air so there is no additional care needed apart from regular AC maintenance by your preferred HVAC contractor.
We make pure and healthy air easy to achieve to all homeowners in Southern California. To learn more about our approach to clean air care, contact one of our friendly representatives in our call center or schedule an appointment online at your convenience.