Are Chesapeake Candles Non Toxic?

Chesapeake Bay Candle is an American company known for their scented candles, home fragrances, and other home décor items. Their products are sold by major retailers like Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon. While Chesapeake Bay Candles are enjoyed by many for their appealing scents, some consumers have raised concerns about the potential toxicity of the ingredients used.

Candles can release compounds into the air through the burning process, some of which may be irritating or harmful if inhaled. Common problematic chemicals include benzene, toluene, lead, and formaldehyde. This article will explore the ingredients and safety of Chesapeake Bay Candles, looking at any available testing data, potential hazards, and alternatives for those seeking a non-toxic candle option.

Candle Ingredients

The primary ingredients in Chesapeake candles include paraffin wax, fragrance oils, and candle wicks. Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based wax that provides the fuel source for the candle. It has a low melting point which allows the candle to burn evenly and prevents the wax from getting too hot. Fragrance oils are added to candles to provide aroma. There are natural and synthetic fragrance oils that contain a combination of chemical ingredients to produce the desired scent. Finally, the wick is generally made of cotton that has been braided or twisted together. The wick pulls up the melted wax which vaporizes and emits light.

Potentially Harmful Ingredients

Some ingredients commonly found in candles may pose health risks when burned or heated. Two of the biggest concerns are paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances.

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. When burned, it can release compounds like toluene and benzene which are known carcinogens. The soot from paraffin candles can also contain these and other toxins which can get circulated into the air.

Synthetic fragrances added to candles to make them smell nice can contain phthalates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals. When released into the air, these compounds can cause irritation, headaches, and other health issues, especially for those with sensitivities.

Studies have detected hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde in the emissions from scented candles. There are thousands of synthetic fragrance chemicals in use, many of which have not been adequately tested for safety.

Testing and Certifications

When shopping for non-toxic candles, look for ones that have been tested and certified for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, and damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Reputable candle makers will have their products evaluated and certified by independent organizations like the Good Housekeeping Institute and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These certifications indicate that the candles meet certain standards for low VOCs and other toxins.

For example, UL’s Formaldehyde-Free certification means that a candle contains less than 0.03 parts per million of formaldehyde, far below what is considered potentially harmful. Meanwhile, Good Housekeeping requires any candle they endorse to pass rigorous burn testing and emissions evaluations.

So when browsing non-toxic candles, keep an eye out for certifications from these types of independent testing laboratories. This helps ensure the candle has been properly evaluated for low VOCs and other potentially toxic chemicals.

Fragrance and Allergies

One potential concern with scented candles like Chesapeake is the use of synthetic fragrances. Though largely unregulated, these synthetic fragrance oils contain hundreds of chemical ingredients and some research has linked them to headaches, respiratory issues, skin irritations, and other allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Fragrances, both natural and synthetic, are one of the most common triggers of allergic reactions from scented products. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, runny nose, headaches, dizziness, and skin rashes or hives. Those with asthma or chemical sensitivities tend to be more severely impacted.

Chesapeake does not disclose the specific fragrance ingredients used in their candles. Without access to full ingredient transparency, it’s impossible for consumers to know if a particular scent contains chemicals they may be sensitive to. Those concerned with allergies may want to be cautious with scented candles in general, and look for unscented or fragrance-free options instead.

Soot and Air Quality

Burning candles produces soot, which is made up of unburned wax particles, carbon from the wick, and particulate matter. This soot can accumulate on surfaces, fabric, and in the air. Breathing in candle soot, especially over a long period of time, can negatively impact lung health. The elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions are most at risk.

Soot levels depend on the type of candle, wick quality, and ventilation. Paraffin and scented candles tend to produce the most soot. Proper wick trimming can reduce soot, as longer wicks increase soot production. Burning candles in a well ventilated area is ideal, as soot can build up more in enclosed spaces. Those concerned about indoor air quality from candle soot may want to limit burning times to 1-2 hours or less. Opening windows or using air purifiers can also help reduce risk.

Lead in Candle Wicks

Lead is a heavy metal that can be extremely harmful if ingested or inhaled. Decades ago, lead was commonly used in candle wicks to help the wick stay rigid and upright as the candle burned. However, it was discovered that lead particles could make their way into the air, posing a health hazard if inhaled. The level of lead released depended on factors like ventilation and how long the candle burns. But even small amounts of lead exposure are considered unsafe, especially for children whose brains are still developing.

Many countries banned lead wicks or restricted lead levels in the 1990s due to health concerns, but some inexpensive candles still contain high amounts of lead. When a lead wick burns it produces toxic lead vapors that can then be inhaled or settle on surfaces throughout the room. Young children are most susceptible since they breathe rapidly and often put their hands or objects in their mouths, potentially ingesting any lead dust. High levels of lead exposure can cause severe brain damage, developmental disorders, headaches, abdominal pain, memory loss, weakness, and other serious health effects.

Today, reputable candle makers avoid lead wicks and use safer materials like zinc, paper, or cotton. But some questionable brands still use lead to cut costs. Conscientious consumers should choose unscented soy or beeswax candles with cotton wicks to reduce risks. Checking labels for lead-free claims may offer some assurance, but cannot guarantee safety. The safest option is to minimize candle burning time, maintain proper ventilation, and keep candles away from children’s reach.

Safety Tips for Candles

Candles can be enjoyed safely by following some basic safety precautions. Here are some tips for safe candle usage:

• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles before leaving a room.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, books, and furniture.
• Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and excessive flame height.
• Use candle holders that are nonflammable and won’t tip over easily.
• Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts.
• Allow wax pool to form completely before each lighting to prevent tunneling.
• Keep a minimum distance of 12 inches between burning candles.
• Extinguish candles when they reach within two inches of the holder or container.
• Avoid using candles during a power outage when risk of fire is higher.

Following basic precautions will allow you to enjoy candles safely.

Chesapeake Candle Alternatives

If you are concerned about potential toxins or allergens in Chesapeake candles, there are many candle brands that specifically market themselves as non-toxic, hypoallergenic, or free from common allergens.

Some alternative candle brands to consider include:

• Yankee Candle – Offers a range of candles labeled as having “clean-burning fragrances” and no dyes.
• P.F. Candle Co. – Uses essential oils and natural soy wax. Marketed as non-toxic and free from paraffin, phthalates, and synthetics.
• Brooklyn Candle Studio – Uses organic coconut soy wax, phthalate-free fragrances, and lead-free cotton wicks.
• Soy Works Candles – Handmade from 100% soy wax with cotton wicks. Fragrance and dye free options available.
• Pacific Northwest Soy Candles – Soy-based candles with natural fiber wicks. Free from synthetic fragrances.
• Clean the Air Candles – Uses soy wax, essential oil blends, and lead-free cotton wicks. Marketed as non-toxic.

Other alternatives could be switching to battery-operated flameless candles, beeswax candles, or essential oil diffusers. Testing out sample sizes, reading reviews, and contacting manufacturers directly can help determine which candle options work best for your needs.

Conclusion

Overall, Chesapeake candles are considered one of the non-toxic and relatively safe candle options on the market. Chesapeake uses essential oils and natural soy wax in their candles, avoiding artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, and known toxic substances that can be found in some other brands. While any candle carries some potential risks from soot or indoor air pollution, Chesapeake aims to minimize these hazards through their formula and materials. They also ensure their wicks are lead-free and made of natural fibers like cotton that reduce smoking. For those with fragrance sensitivities, Chesapeake offers some unscented varieties as well. While no candle is 100% risk-free, Chesapeake has taken steps to reduce toxicity through their ingredients and manufacturing practices. Those seeking a cleaner burning, non-synthetic candle option would do well to try Chesapeake’s line of products. As with any candle, following safety precautions like trimming wicks, allowing for ventilation, and keeping away from flammables is always advised. But Chesapeake candles are considered among the better options for a non toxic and clean burning candle experience.