Some homeowners light scented candle in their home to create a relaxed, romantic mood. Unluckily, some of these candles release toxic chemicals which pollute the indoor air.
Paraffin is the most used wax for candles. It’s a petroleum-based byproduct and contains toxic chemicals like benzene and acetone, linked with allergies, asthma, and cancer. Use 100% soy or beeswax with a non tin-wick. If you’re someone who uses candles throughout the year, you should think about air vent cleaning in Phoenix.
The biggest problem with candles is that they can be a fire hazard. Every year, candles cause 677 injuries and 81 fatalities, as well as $278,000,000 in damage to property. In 2014-2018 US fire departments say 7,610 house fires started by candles were responded to. A candle can cause serious and life-threatening situations with just a single moment’s neglect.
Candles are not required to give your house a nice smell. Air flow can be increased by cleaning the air filters regularly, emptying trash and maintaining a tidy home. Air ducts need to be checked and cleaned periodically. In your ducts, debris, dust, and mold can accumulate over time. Supreme Vent Cleaning is the leading professional duct cleaner in Phoenix. Get a free quotation by calling us or visiting our website.
- Soot
Soot produced by candles is the likely cause of any dark stains you may have seen on your walls, furniture or lighter colored fabrics. No matter the material, candles all produce soot. Black soot is released when a flame burns. The particles are tiny enough to inhale and cause coughing, wheezing and respiratory irritation.
The accumulation of soot on the surface can cause it to appear dull and gray over time. It’s also been known for them to block vents and filter, creating fire hazards. When soot accumulates from candles, it blocks airflow, making HVAC systems less effective and possibly shortening their lifespan. Phoenix air vent cleaning is a great way to remove any soot that may be in your house.
It is a common myth that some types of candle are “soot free”, but it is simply not true. When burned, all candles emit soot. The wax and wick of the candle are important. The paraffin wax candle tends to produce more smoke and soot, while vegetable and beeswax are cleaner.
There is a misconception that certain candles do not produce soot. This is simply untrue. Burning candles produces soot, and can also produce other pollutants. It is important to consider the type of wax used and the wick. Paraffin candles produce more soot than vegetable or beeswax.
Remember that the toxic substances released from burning scented candle are not just from the flame, but also from the burning of the oils inside. A study conducted at National Library of Medicine said some candles emit volatiles even before they touch the wick.
Before lighting a candle for the first, trim its wick. It will help the candle to burn evenly. Also, it prevents a significant portion of the wax wick being exposed. Select a candle with a paper or cotton wick. Cored wicks are usually made from tin, zinc or other metals and may release them into the air when they burn.
- Volatile Organic Compounds
Scented candles, whether made of paraffin or from soy release chemicals and volatile compounds when they burn. The toxins in these candles can harm your respiratory tract as much as perfumes or second-hand smoking. They also irritate the mucus, nose, throat and eyes. It’s good to know that by trimming your wick to less then 1/4 inch, you can avoid many harmful chemicals. Natural alternatives such as beeswax candles or soy-wax candle emit far less VOCs compared to their petroleum counterparts. Most manufacturers do not disclose the exact ingredients of their candles, making it difficult to locate a product that is truly natural and organic.
Some building materials, furnishings, paints and varnishes can also contain VOCs. By using low-VOC products like paints, varnishes, and strips and by storing them outdoors in open containers you can minimize your exposure. You can enhance the quality of your indoor air when you use these products by running exhaust fans and opening windows. These VOCs are also released by chemicals like fluoride, chlorine and bromine that can be used to clean surfaces or disinfect them. If you have a respiratory disorder such as asthma, bronchitis or sinus infection and are continuously exposed to these VOCs for a long time period, they can cause serious damage to your respiratory system. These VOCs can also worsen symptoms for children and pets.
A long-term exposure to low VOC levels can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. It is particularly true of certain VOCs, such as formaldehyde, toluene or benzene. Avoid scented candles, and all other products which release VOCs. When possible, choose organic and natural items and install a ventilation system to circulate air throughout your space. When using wood or household cleaners be sure to use exhaust fans and open the windows. Phoenix Air Vent Cleaning will improve your home’s ventilation and insulation.
- Allergens
Candles can be used to create an inviting, warm atmosphere in the home. Although this may seem like a good idea, candles that are scented can contribute to air pollution in homes and create problems for those who suffer from allergies or other sensitivities to chemical substances. While burning, candles release toxic fumes, soot and other pollutants which can pollute ventilation systems and air vents. Visit our website to find out more information about air duct cleaning in Phoenix AZ and its benefits.
Paraffin wax is often used to make candles. This petroleum by-product releases chemicals when it burns. You can find benzene in these compounds, as well as toluene or limonene. These are all linked to respiratory and cancer problems. Paraffin releases acetone, formaldehyde and other volatile organic substances. The toxic chemicals infiltrate vents and ducts, while the HVAC system of the house redistributes indoor air. They can circulate in the house and affect people who are allergic to them. Also, they can contribute to asthma, allergies and other illnesses, particularly in children. You can choose beeswax- or soy-based candle alternatives that do not contain fragrance and are not toxic. Although they are more expensive than paraffin candles, beeswax or soy-based ones burn longer and have less chance of causing allergies or respiratory problems. Look for labels that say 100% vegetable or soy oil or that state that the soy is organically grown. Try organic palm or coconut oils instead of soy if you’re trying to avoid it. These are produced on plantations which do not use pesticides, and therefore have less impact on the planet.
You can also choose unscented candle-powered batteries that provide a soft glow with a fresh, neutral scent that doesn’t contaminate air. Before lighting, trim the wick by 1/4 inch. Burn the candle no longer than 1-2 hour. If you are sensitive to smells in the room, consider air purifiers as well as natural air-fresheners like essential oil diffusers.
- Toxins
Even the unscented candles that you burn to set a relaxing, cozy mood may be damaging to indoor air quality. As they burn, even unscented candles can release harmful pollutants that can cause allergies and asthma. As they pass through the HVAC system of your home, these particles can contaminate vents or ductwork. Are you looking for an air duct cleaning service in Phoenix AZ? Contact Supreme Vent Cleaning now for Phoenix air vent cleaning.
Candles made of paraffin wax are particularly dangerous because they release chemicals. The petroleum-based byproduct, paraffin wax, is deodorized before it’s processed into candle wax. Burning paraffin releases organic volatile compounds, such as toluene, acetone, and benzene. They are similar to the chemicals found in diesel emissions and have been linked with cancer, skin disorders, and respiratory problems.
The wicks in most candles are made of zinc or tin and have a core to hold them up while they burn. When burned, these wicks release particles of heavy metals into the air. These metals can cause throat and flu-like symptoms, even though the concentrations are very low.
Summary
If you need an air duct cleaner in Phoenix AZ, look no further than Supreme. No matter if your candles have a scent or not, all of them produce soot and can contribute to the accumulation of particles in your HVAC system, vents and ductwork. Avoid paraffin-based candles in favor of beeswax or soy alternatives. Trim the wick prior to lighting, and do not burn your candles in a container, which will result in an incomplete combustion, and even more soot. Consider investing in an indoor air purifier as well to help reduce toxic chemicals. There are many manufacturers who produce safe candles which will enhance your decor and evoke happy memories without affecting your air quality. Contact us today if you need an air vent cleaning in Phoenix. You can see before and after photos of your vents when you book with us. Supreme Vent Cleaning offers the most professional and effective duct cleaning service in and around Phoenix.