Candles are such a big part of the holiday season for many of us. We crave certain scents this time of year that trigger holiday memories. Our family is getting ready to kick off Hanukkah this weekend and we are shooting for 8 days of candle lighting. When our kids were a bit younger we could get away with skipping a night or two, but I have a feeling the kids will be on us this year to remind us that 8 days of presents and candle lighting cannot be ignored. So prepared we will be. At last check our candle supply was running low so I need to stock up to have enough to make it through the multiple days of lighting the menorah.
Toxic candles
There are so many varieties of candles on the market. Candles come in varying scents, colors, shapes and sizes. One thing to think about as you replenish your holiday candle supply is that candles can add nasty pollutants to your indoor air. Most of the candles on the market are made with paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, and scented with synthetic fragrances, also derived from petroleum. There are other types of candles made from soybean, palm, or hemp, or beeswax. These aren’t petroleum based. In a study by the American Chemical Society the researchers found that the petroleum based candles emitted 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. Not good.
So while you’re out looking for those pretty, smelly candles that trigger those holiday warm and fuzzies keep in mind that not all candles are created equal-some can be pretty toxic. Take the time to find non-toxic candles that won’t add to the indoor air pollution in your home.
Non-toxic Hanukkah candles
- Hand Dipped Natural Beeswax Multi Color Hanukkah Candles
- Festive Beeswax Candles
- Natural Color Beeswax Hanukkah Candles
- Multicolored Honeycomb Hanukkah Candles
If you’re looking for a few fabulous healthy, vegan Hanukkah recipes check out these green and healthy Hanukkah recipes for traditional Hanukkah foods in their vegan form.
