Green Newton

Unfortunately, your seemingly harmless candle could be filling the air in your home with carcinogenic soot and lead emissions. The biggest issue with candles are toxic wax and, in the case of older candles, toxic lead wicks. Avoid aromatherapy candles made of paraffin—a petroleum byproduct—which releases carcinogenic soot when burned.

Try these safer alternatives:

• beeswax candles
• candles made from vegetable based waxes
• essential oil diffusers or ring burners
• sprays with essential oils

Are Your Candles Toxic? (Green America)