Green Living

Choosing eco-friendly candles is a burning holiday issue

‘Tis the season to light candles, whether you’re observing Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanzaa. Ah, but those traditions that warm the heart may be doing harm to your lungs, indoor air quality, and the environment.

Here’s why: All candles produce some smoke and soot, which can enter your air passages and cause irritation—or worse if you have respiratory problems. And if the candle contains dyes or fragrance, other toxic particulates may be released. In addition, if the candles were manufactured outside the United States, the wire that supports the wick may contain lead. When burned, the substance enters your airways and is no better for you in this form than if you ate lead chips.

To add insult to injury, candles are most commonly made of paraffin, which comes from petroleum—the same nonrenewable resource that creates the greenhouse gases causing climate change.

Far be it from me, however, to be a scrooge and suggest you snuff out your candle-lighting traditions! Enjoy the holiday glow by:

• Choosing candles made of beeswax, soy, or vegetable oils.
• Buy candles made in the United States to assure that the wicks are lead-free.
• Be sure the lit candles are out of drafty areas, which creates more soot.