Are Candles Carcinogenic? A Guide to a Non-Toxic Burn
As the New York air turns crisp and we begin to spend more time inside, the quality of the air we breathe becomes more important than ever. You light a candle like "Sunday Reset" to relax and create a cozy atmosphere, but a nagging question might surface: is this simple pleasure harming my health?
The word "carcinogenic" is a heavy one, and it’s a valid concern. Let's be direct: yes, some candles can release carcinogenic compounds. But a well-made, natural candle absolutely does not.
At Mbur Candle Co., our founding principle is total transparency, because the peace of mind you get from our candles should be as clean as the ingredients we use. Here’s what you need to know to make a truly healthy choice.
The Source of Carcinogens in Conventional Candles
The potential health risk from a candle almost always comes down to one ingredient: the wax.
The vast majority of candles on the market are made from paraffin wax. Paraffin is a soft, colorless solid derived from petroleum as a byproduct of the oil refining process. When this petroleum-based wax is burned, it can release highly toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. The most concerning of these are benzene and toluene.
Benzene is a known human carcinogen, linked to serious health issues.
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Toluene is a toxic chemical that can cause respiratory irritation and other health problems.
When you burn a paraffin wax candle, you are releasing these chemicals into your home’s enclosed environment. Low-quality, synthetic fragrances and wicks with lead cores (found in some unregulated, imported products) can also contribute to poor air quality.
The Mbur Candle Co. Non-Carcinogenic Standard
We believe relaxation should never come with a health warning. That’s why we’ve built our company around ingredients that are fundamentally pure and safe.
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Our Wax: 100% Pure, Non-Toxic Beeswax We completely avoid paraffin and its associated risks by using 100% pure, natural beeswax. Beeswax is a gift from nature, not a byproduct of the oil industry. It does not contain benzene or toluene and does not produce these toxic VOCs when burned. It is widely considered the safest, cleanest-burning wax available. In fact, it’s a natural air purifier, helping to clean your air, not pollute it.
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Our Fragrances: 100% Phthalate-Free The scent of your "Retail Therapy" or "Wine Down" candle comes from custom fragrance blends that are always certified phthalate-free. We adhere to the strictest safety standards for cosmetic-grade fragrance so you can breathe deep without worry.
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Our Wicks: Pure, Natural Wood Our wicks are simply untreated, natural wood. You get a clean burn with a gentle crackle, and zero risk of exposure to heavy metals like lead.
Our Commitment to Your Well-being
Our commitment to your health goes beyond just our clean ingredients. The extra-thick glass of our vessels ensures a stable, safe burn. The included lid keeps the pure beeswax surface clean and dust-free. Our special wick clip allows the candle to extinguish safely at the very end of its life. Every detail is considered with your peace of mind in mind.
The Verdict: You Have a Choice
So, are candles carcinogenic? A cheap paraffin wax candle poses a clear risk. A meticulously crafted beeswax candle from a transparent brand does not.
You have the power to choose what you bring into your home and what you breathe. By choosing natural waxes and transparent brands, you can enjoy the beautiful ritual of candlelight without any of the worry.
Shop the collection you can feel good about. Discover the clean, non-carcinogenic burn of Mbur Candle Co. today.
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