Phthalate in Kerzen: Unsichtbare Gefahren für deine Gesundheit

Scented candles are staples in many of our homes, filling our homes with warmth and inviting fragrances, but have you ever considered what you're breathing in when you light one? Many of your beloved candles contain phthalates - chemicals used to enhance the scents - that, along with paraffin wax, can release harmful toxins into the air you breathe.

Could your favorite candle be polluting the air in your home and impacting your health? It was a wake-up call for me to start seeking alternatives.

Let's uncover in this article the risks of phthalates in scented candles, explore eye-opening research, and help you find safer, healthier alternatives. After all, if you love candles as much as I do, ensuring they’re safe is non-negotiable!

What Are Phthalates in Candles (and Why Are They Used)?

Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to stabilize fragrances in products. Phthalates are everywhere, these colorless, odorless chemicals are often used as plasticizers in plastics, making them more flexible and durable.

These days, you can find them in everyday products like food packaging, cosmetic and personal care products, cleaning products, and you guessed it, scented products like candles.

If your candle has a strong scent that lingers for hours, chances are it contains phthalates. While they help create those delightful aromas, they also come with a darker side: potential health risks.

Why phthalates are used in candles

In candles, they're commonly labelled under vague terms like "fragrance" or "parfum" in products, mixed in with fragrance oils. Why they are used?

• They help stabilise, enhance and extend the shelf life of synthetic fragrance oils to provide your candles smell just as good after a month on your shelf! They are also cheap way to enhance consumer products, which explains their widespread use!

The Hidden Dangers of Phthalates and Paraffin Wax candles

When you burn a candle with phthalates, they can release into the air as part of the fragrance. Breathing them in might not seem like a big deal at first, but research tells a different story.

Health risks of phthalates

Although phthalates make your candle's scent last, they are dangerous chemicals that come with health risks when burning, they may:

• Trigger headaches and respiratory issues - phthalates may release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that may contribute to headaches, dizziness, or even breathing difficulties!

• Aggravate asthma & allergies: If you or someone in your home has asthma or allergies, VOCs from phthalates can often aggravate these conditions or even create new sensitivities

Longer-term health risks: Effects of pthalate's in scented candles aren't always immediate, and can sometimes pose more serious risks to human health over time including:

• Thyroid disruption: Your thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism and energy levels. Unfortunately, phthalates have been associated with thyroid hormone disruption, which could lead to long-term health problems like hypothyroidism, PMS or PCOS.

• Cardiovascular issues: Studies have shown that diethyl phthalate (DEP) exposure is linked to hypertension and atherosclerosis. DEP can alter blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk factors in adults, pregnant women, and children

• Reproductive health: Some studies have suggested a link between certain phthalates and infertility, or complications during pregnancy. Another study found that maternal exposure to DEHP (a common phthalate) reduces testosterone and estradiol levels in fetal blood

• Cancer concerns: Whilst research is ongoing, studies have found associations between pthalates and certain cancers, particularly breast cancer

Parrafin Wax: Another Culprit in Candles

It’s not just phthalates we need to worry about. Many candles are made from paraffin wax—a byproduct of petroleum refining.

When burned, paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene, both of which are known carcinogens.

Paraffin wax is also notorious for producing black soot, particularly in your candle jars - this soot contributes to further indoor pollution, and can harm your lungs over time.

The Impact on Indoor Air Quality

Did you know that burning candles can affect your indoor air quality just as much as outdoor pollution? Here’s how:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Candles release VOCs like benzene and toluene into the air. These chemicals can irritate your lungs and worsen respiratory issues.

• Particulate Matter (PM): Burning candles also creates fine particles (PM2.5) that can penetrate deep into your lungs. Studies show these particles can exceed safe levels during candle use.

If you’ve ever noticed headaches or irritation after burning candles, it might not just be in your head—these pollutants could be the cause.

Common Types of Phthalates Found in Scented Candles

Hidden behind 'fragrance' on ingredient lists, phthalates do the heavy lifting to stabilize the scent - there are few several types of phthalates commonly found in scented candles, each serving a specific purpose:

• Diethyl phthalate (DEP): a solvent and fixative that keeps fragrance oils from crystallizing, ensuring a long-lasting scent in candles. However, when burnt it can release harmful VOCs, so proper ventilation is advised when burning

• Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP), is another phthalate used to improve wax flexibility and ensure steady burning. Unfortunately, it is known for causing headaches, and causing nasal irritation!

• Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) is typically added for structure and scent consistency, but burning it can often worsen asthma and allergy symptoms, and significantly contribute to indoor air pollution

Indoor Air Quality and Scented Scandles: Are they harmful?

The impact of phthalates and other emissions from fragrance oils on indoor air quality is a growing concern. Constrained spaces can trap harmful chemicals in our homes. Unlike the outdoors, the air in your home has limited circulation and, if not properly ventilated, can increase your exposure over time.
How can burning candles affect the air you breathe?

Burning candles with phthalates can disperse chemicals like VOCs into your living space, causing negative effects in your body without you being aware. Candles contain a cocktail of pollutants, in addition to phthalates that enter the air when you light that wick, including:

• Particulate matter which are tiny particles that can deeply penetrate into your lungs, causing irritation, especially in people that have asthma - exacerbating symptoms

• VOCs like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene are often found in fragranced products and known for causing throat, eye, and nose irritation - Have you ever experienced your throat felting scratchy or your eyes watering - these may be the culprit.

  Prolonged exposure to VOCs has been linked to more severe health problems like damage to the central nervous system, a.k.a. The control center of the body!

• Soot—that black sooty residue on your candle jar is a byproduct of incomplete combustion—a significant health risk!

  Inhaling soot can worsen conditions like asthma, and even impact lung function!

Quick tip: Ventilate your space to reduce these contaminants. Opening a window can improve air circulation while your candles burn!

Phthalate Regulations and Oversights: Do They Protect Us?

Unfortunately, phthalates in candles often fly under the radar, but this is dependent on where you are:

• In the US the Consumer Product Safety Comission (CPSC) restricts pthalates in childrens products like teething rings, and toys. However, no mandate exists to limit or disclose phthalates in candles. Whilst the FDA regulate fragrances in some cosmetic products, this does not extend to candle use!

• The EU has stricter phthalate regulations under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) that restrict or ban many phthalates in consumer products, including candles

Labels like “fragrance” or “parfum” create loopholes, allowing companies to hide synthetic additives without disclosing full ingredient lists. Even products labeled as “natural” or “clean” may contain synthetic additives, so stay vigilant.

Phthalate-Free Alternatives and Safer Candle Options

The good news? You don’t have to give up candles altogether! There are plenty of safer options that let you enjoy their warmth without compromising your health.

Ready to switch to a healthier, non-toxic way of lighting up your home? Here are some phthalate-free alternatives made from natural materials that also make fantastic non-toxic gifts!

Non-Toxic Candle Materials

Beeswax

My top non-toxic choice! Beeswax candles burn cleaner, purify the air, last longer, and are environmentally friendly.

Soy wax

A renewable, cleaner, and more affordable option than paraffin. Make sure to choose non-GMO soy for the best sustainability and health benefits.

Coconut wax

Made from the cold-pressed meat of coconuts, this eco-friendly option offers a superior natural scent and a clean burn.

Alternative wax blends

Newer options like rice bran wax or coconut/apricot blends are eco-friendly and provide a clean-burning experience.

Fragrance Oils: What to Look For

The scent of the candle is just as important as the wax it's made from. Opt for candles scented with pure essential oils, rather than synthetic fragrances, pose fewer health risks. Essential oils help you to:

• Avoid phthalates found in synthetic fragrances

• Provide a natural, subtle scent less likely to cause irritation

Wick Selection Matters

• Opt for cotton or wooden wicks - these provide a cleaner burn, with less soot and no risk of toxic metal, like lead exposure

• Avoid metal-core wicks - although these have been banned in the US since 2003, it is still worth checking to ensure your candle is safe!

 Candle Dyes & Colorants: Avoid when possible

Although bright-coloured candles may look appealing, they can often be a sign they are more harmful than not.

Choose naturally coloured or dye-free candles - these minimise exposure to synthetic dyes and their potential emissions

Practical Tips for Choosing Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Candles

If you're looking to to upgrade your candle collection to be safer, non-toxic and more sustainable, you're in the right place - it doesn't have to be complicated.

1. Look for Natural Waxes - choose 100% essential oils for scent and natural fiber wicks if possible, and if you're choosing soy, make sure to opt for non-GMO soy.

   Pro tip: We did the research for you - check out this guide for our top picks of our favourite non-toxic candle brands, that prioritize your health!

2. Check Labels and Certifications - pay close attention to what is written - and what's not!

   • Look for terms like “phthalate-free,” and“made with 100% essential oils,” these are strong indicators of a safer product!

   • Certifications such as MADE SAFE® or 'eco-friendly' demonstrate that the brand meets higher standards for health and sustainability

   • Avoid ingredient labels like “fragrance” or “parfum”.  If the company is not being transparent, it is better to avoid! Sadly, as I now need to avoid so many brands and products I really like.

Practical Steps to Minimize Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

• Burn in moderation - limit burn time to around 3–4 hours to avoid excessive emissions, try short, frequent burns rather than burning a candle all day, and avoid burning too many candles at once!

• Extinguish properly - blowing out before the wick solders will prevent unnecessary fumes from being released!

• Ventilate your space: Open windows or use a fan to improve air circulation and reduce indoor air pollution. You can try using an air purifier, too, to remove VOCs, and use natural cleaning products to further reduce your overall indoor toxin load!

• Trim the wick: before each use, trim the wick to 1/4 inch. This helps to prevent soot, uneven burning, and incomplete combustion - If you see visible smoke or black residue, extinguish the candle, trim the wick, and relight it!

• Effects on pets: be mindful of your pets (especially birds). They can be more sensitive to airborne chemicals; use mindfully, or choose unscented and non-toxic options

  

Key Takeaways:

• Phthalates in candles are used to stabilize scent and extend fragrance in candles but often release harmful toxins when burnt; these effects are elevated if your candle is also made from paraffin wax!

• The health risks are real - from headaches and breathing issues to endocrine disruption and potential cancer risks. Phthalates can aggravate allergies, asthma, and long-term hormonal imbalances.

• Indoor air quality matters - burning candles in confined spaces can cause indoor pollutants to accumulate in poorly ventilated areas. However, a 2014 study revealed that moderate candle use usually stays within safe indoor air quality limits- moderation is key!

• Choosing Safer Candles - Look for candles labels like 'phthalate-free' or '100% essential-oils' and avoid products with fragrances. Certifications like MADE SAFE® or 'eco-friendly' and prioritize natural waxes like beeswax, soy and coconut!

• Burn Smart: Proper ventilation, trimming wicks, and monitoring burn time are simple ways to minimize risks.

By making better choices and creating better and healthier habits you can enjoy your candles whilst keeping your home and well being in balance!

FAQ to Phthalates in Candles

Do all candles have phthalates?

No, not all candles contain phthalates. Phthalates are primarily found in candles with synthetic fragrances, as they are used to stabilize and prolong the scent. Unscented candles or those made with natural essential oils are less likely to contain phthalates.

How do you know if a fragrance has phthalates?

To determine if a fragrance contains phthalates, check the product label or contact the manufacturer. Candles labeled as "phthalate-free" or using natural essential oils are safer options. If the label is unclear, synthetic fragrances often indicate the potential presence of phthalates, so opting for transparent brands is key.

What toxic chemical is in candles?

Candles can release toxic chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene and toluene, especially when made from paraffin wax. Additionally, some scented candles may contain phthalates, which are linked to endocrine disruption and other health risks.