A candle is not just a Candle. ….Smells Like Phthalates!?!

Phthalates and chemicals are in household air fresheners, and I’ve long sworn off the use of spray air fresheners for a long time. But phthalates, which helps synthetic fragrances bond to the product, are found in candles, incense and potpourri.

Paraffin Candles are also a source of indoor air pollution, according to the EPA, leaving black soot deposit (BSD) on floors and surfaces. Scented candles create the most soot.

BSD is primarily made up of elemental carbon, but may also contain phthalates and volatile organic compounds like benzene and toluene, which can cause cancer and neurological damage. BSD can be inhaled while airborne, but may also settle on surfaces like floors. BSD is especially attracted to electrically charged surfaces such as freezers, plastic blinds, TVs and computers.

In the last few years, the use of phthalates in fragrance oils and cosmetics has gained a lot of attention. There are some phthalates that are considered harmful and others that are not. "Phthalates" is a broad term that refers to a wide variety of compounds of differing chemical structure. Safety concerns have been raised about Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP).  DEHP has been classified as a "probable human carcinogen" by the EPA.

I have always loved candles, but started a search for a cleaner burning candle that would allow me to enjoy one of my passions; candles, without breathing in the toxic fumes that could harm both me and family. In September of 2011, I launched Aesthetic Candles, more or less a re-creation of Aesthetic Décor, a company I founded in 2006 in New Hampshire.  I joined the Tarpon Sunday Market in March. Aesthetic Candles or Aesthetic Décor Candles became “.com” in June 2012 after a very successful season at the Tarpon Sunday Morning Market.

Candles have been traditionally comprised of paraffin wax base and zinc based wicks. Both properties, when burned, emit toxins into the air that we breathe. My candles are all handmade, organic and earth friendly! All candles produced by Aesthetic Candles are made with 100% soy based wax, an all-vegetable wax that is bio degradable and burns clean without any harmful toxins. Wicks are 100% cotton. I choose scents that are representative of natural aromas found in fruits, herbs and in nature. I also offer Aromatherapy Candes, scented with Pure Essential Oils. 

I like to share what I have learned. http:www.aesthetic-candles.com

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